Loan Readiness

Are you loan ready?
AltCap’s 3-step process

This page helps you understand if your business is ready to apply for a loan.

If you aren’t ready, AltCap will offer you concrete steps and resources to improve your chances of securing a business loan.

Step 1: Determine if you’re loan ready

Step 2: Start the application process

Step 3: Underwriting to funding

  • Once you’ve provided all required documentation, we will review and provide you with a decision.

  • Your Business Development Officer will partner with you to provide the right loan type, amount, and terms you need.

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. Uniform Commercial Codes 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.