The goal of our Microloan Program for Women is to help women become more financially sound and self-sufficient by providing small loans to help them succeed in their business.

Loans of up to $1,500.00 may be available to help women:

• Grow their current business
  Start their own business
  Purchase required professional tools
  Purchase required training/certification courses for the business
   Loans are not available to pay business-related operational bills.

Our Microloan Program for Women offers these special features:

• Formal business plan not required
• 4 to 6 hours of individualized training available during the first year of the loan to ensure success
• Case management model to ensure growth and progress
• Microloan Committee includes volunteer community businesswomen who serve as excellent role models.

How are loan decisions made?

Submit a completed application package by the 15th of the month to jshuklis@focuscville.org or 953 2nd St. SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902. Completed applications meeting the Microloan criteria will be invited to present business and loan requests to the Microloan Committee on the last Thursday of each month.

The Committee will make a decision based on the information received, so make sure that your Application is complete.  We will not be able to schedule an interview with the Committee unless the application contains all requested data.

The Committee may approve your loan at the time of the meeting or may request supplemental information.

If approved for a loan what you can expect:

• Loans fixed at an interest rate of 4% payable within 2 years
• Payments required monthly
• Collateral not required but considered on a case by case basis
• Loan Agreement required

Thanks to the following organizations and businesses for their financial support of the Microloan Program:

Metlife Foundation
Alliance for Interfaith Ministries
Piedmont Housing Alliance
FOCUS Board of Directors through a memorial fund