AltCap’s mission is to empower underserved entrepreneurs by providing accessible capital to pursue their dreams and help our communities thrive.

Founded in 2005, AltCap is a critical source of alternative financing for communities and entrepreneurs who fall outside the financial mainstream.

We are impact-driven and community-focused. To date, AltCap has deployed more than $300 million in capital, financing small businesses and real estate development projects that were overlooked by traditional financial institutions.

About AltCap

AltCap’s Core Values

  • Unapologetically Defy Conventions

    Unapologetically Defy Conventions

    Rather than turning away, we intentionally face challenges with unconventional solutions. We are tenacious in building a more accessible economy and will break norms to do so.

  • Forge Collaborative Connection

    Forge Collaborative Connection

    We are stronger, smarter and better together. Our impact is the combination of many teammates' talents. Excellence comes from harnessing the collective strengths and diverse perspectives of our team.

  • Take Purposeful Action

    Take Purposeful Action

    We infuse every action with meaningful intention. Our approach ensures our efforts are not just productive but impactful. We're driven by an earnest pursuit of improving our community and the lives of our borrowers.

  • Cultivate Curiosity

    Cultivate Curiosity

    We are relentlessly committed to continuous development — both individually and collectively. We foster an environment that encourages every AltCap team member to achieve their full potential.

  • Practice Proactive Care

    Practice Proactive Care

    We prioritize clear, responsive communication and take the initiative to address the needs of our team, borrowers, and the communities we serve. We believe that empathy and accountability foster trust.

The AltCap Ethos

We believe accessible capital creates stronger, more vibrant communities. We help make that a reality by empowering the success of underestimated entrepreneurs through flexible financing.

This short film offers a small taste of who we serve and why we do what we do.

History

AltCap was initially launched as a Community Development Entity, providing high-impact capital to job-creating businesses and catalytic real estate development projects.

In 2015, AltCap was certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the CDFI Fund of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This designation advanced our mission by providing additional resources to better support and advocate for the small businesses that drive the economic and community development in the communities we serve. 

The concept of CDFIs dates back to the 19th century with the creation of minority depository institutions and is rooted in the Civil Rights movements of the 1950s and ‘60s. For generations, CDFIs have helped marginalized communities access new opportunities and create economic agency for those negatively impacted by segregation and redlining.

Inheriting this CDFI legacy, AltCap helps address the structural barriers that have prevented capital from flowing to communities and entrepreneurs that need it most. At AltCap, we recognize that there is still vital work needed in creating economic opportunities that build wealth and assets for more people. As our service area expands, our work will always be rooted in empowering entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities to prosper and thrive.

WHY WE DO IT

We believe that fair access to capital strengthens communities and creates opportunities for more people to participate and contribute to growing our economy.

WHAT WE DO

We increase the flow of capital to underinvested communities through alternative financing products, entrepreneur-focused programming, and strategic partnerships.

OUR FAMILY

Our affiliate, AltCap California, provides accessible financing to entrepreneurs in California. equity2 is an impact investment firm that deploys equity capital in communities that lack financial infrastructure and institutional capital. Our non-affiliate partner, the Community Capital Fund, provides grants to neighborhoods and businesses.

  • NEWS

    NEWS

    There’s a lot happening at AltCap. Stay up to date on our financing products, programs, partnerships and announcements through our newsletter.

    READ MORE
  • TEAM

    TEAM

    We are passionate change-makers with diverse experiences and backgrounds. We work together to help communities and small businesses thrive.

    Meet the team
  • JOIN US

    JOIN US

    We’re investing in local business owners today to build a vibrant economy for generations to come. Learn how you can work, partner, and invest in AltCap’s mission.

    Join us
  • IMPACT

    IMPACT

    We’re focused on empowering the communities and small business owners we serve. Learn how accessible capital makes a positive difference.

    Make change

PARTNERS, FUNDERS, AND AFFILIATIONS

Seal with a city skyline, the words CERTIFIED and CDFI, and the text U.S. Department of the Treasury around the circle.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender badge with blue, red, and black text and design elements.
Opportunity Finance Network logo with stylized blue and teal graphic elements.
Logo of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation with a blue circle enclosing a black 'K' and the foundation's name in gray text.
Logo for Marion and Henry BLOCH Family Foundation with large blue text reading 'BLOCH' and smaller black text above and below.
Kansas City CDFI Coalition
PNC Bank logo with orange and white emblem and blue text.
UMB logo with the text UMB in blue and a gray underline on a black background.
Logo of The Civic Council of Greater Kansas City with a stylized C and a black circle, and the organization's name in blue and black text.
Arvest Bank logo in blue text with a black background.
Bank of Labor logo with a geometric design in red, white, and blue, and the text 'Bank of Labor' in bold black letters, with the tagline 'Born of Integrity' beneath.
Wells Fargo logo with white text on red background and a yellow stripe at the bottom.
Black and white logo with the word 'cummmins' inside a stylized letter C.
US Bank logo in red, white, and blue text on a white background.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. logo in gray text on a white background.
Logo of the U.S. Economic Development Administration featuring the acronym EDA with two yellow stars and the full name below.
The logo of Commerce Bank featuring a green globe with white latitude and longitude lines, and the words 'Commerce Bank' in green, with 'Member FDIC' underneath.
Official seal of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, featuring a bald eagle, a map of the United States, and five stars.
CrossFirst Bank logo with circular emblem and bold text
The Comcast logo with the word 'CHAMBER' next to it.
Colorful logo for Mid America LGBT Chamber of Commerce 2024, with rainbow-colored text and shapes, and the website www.midamericaLGBT.org.
Close-up of a digital stock market or financial chart with multiple bar graphs and a blue gradient background.
Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce logo with a skyline silhouette, green and red accents, and the words 'Connect Grow Promote'.
Black and white logo for Country Club Bank featuring a stylized clock tower inside a circular design with the name below.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • As a mission-driven Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), AltCap can often overcome traditional lending constraints. Challenges like previous denials, credit scores, bankruptcy, and limited collateral, may be overcome by other positive aspects of your business, like community impact, additional guarantors, or other sources of revenue. We’ll work to understand your needs and create solutions to help you grow your business.


  • Yes. We lend capital to small businesses regardless of their industry, size, or stage of growth. Owners of startups will be asked to provide a business plan, financial projections, and other documentation in lieu of historical financial statements.

  • No, AltCap does not offer depository services or consumer banking products, but we have other local CDFI and banking partners who can serve your unique needs. Visit the KC CDFI Coalition or speak to your Business Development Officer to learn more. 


  • AltCap and its affiliate, AltCap California, serve entrepreneurs in California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas.

  • Yes. We understand that your business has unique needs and while you work hard to be resourceful, challenges can arise. We will accept applications from businesses with up to two active loans and at least six months of payment history. Our team will work with you to assess your ability to take on new debt and what collateral may be available to support your needs.

  • AltCap can provide entrepreneurs $5,000 to $250,000 in debt capital to launch, operate or grow their small businesses. Proceeds may be used to fund equipment, marketing, payroll, services, capital expenses, and more. The amount you can borrow will depend on your capital needs and your ability to cover the debt service. 

  • Collateral is not always required of our borrowers but providing collateral may help you access better loan terms. Discuss your collateral options with your Business Development Officer. UCC’s are required for all business loans.

  • No. AltCap does not require a minimum credit score for most products. We work with you to understand the circumstances of your credit and evaluate it alongside your financials, management abilities, and growth potential.

  • Our goal is to provide capital in a timely manner.  On average, an AltCap loan can take 30-45 days from application submission to credit decision to complete. Questions or challenges may arise as we review your documents, and it is critical that you provide a timely response to keep the analysis and underwriting process moving.

  • In addition to accessible capital, AltCap provides other business support and services to our clients. We also collaborate with other lenders and business advisors to provide you with the support you need to start, grow, and sustain your business. Talk to your Business Development Officer about your options and visit our affiliate organizations, equity2 and Community Capital Fund.

  • Go to www.altcap.org/contact to connect with us.