Helping Hands Loan

The Helping Hands Loan Fund is targeted to help low-to-moderate income individuals attain self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship.

This fund has the potential to help individuals, especially women, develop self-sufficiency through micro-enterprise development, which then helps to boost the local economy. The Helping Hands Loan Program helps borrowers supplement their family income with a small or seasonal income business.

The ability to access small sums of money to jump-start or support small business ventures is vital to the local economy. When a loan fund looks primarily at the borrower and their business or idea, not just their credit, it makes the loan program more viable and helps to create more success stories.

A typical CBP Helping Hands Fund borrower is a client who fits one or more of the following criteria:

  • Starting or Own a For-Profit Micro-Business or Have a Seasonal Enterprise e.g.;
    • Home-based Businesses
    • Solopreneurs
    • Home Child Care Providers
    • Food / Culinary Makers
    • Small Lawn Care Providers
    • Makers of Handcrafted Items
    • Sellers on Amazon, eBay, Etsy or other sources
    • Other types of businesses will be considered
  • Lacks Credit or Have Low Credit
  • Turned Down for Traditional Financing
  • Need to Purchase Equipment: e.g.: computer, printer, or other specialty equipment
  • Need to Purchase a Small Amount of Inventory
  • Need to Hire Support – Temporary or otherwise
  • Has less than five (5) employees
  • Other Startup Expenses

The Helping Hands Loan Program

  • Minimum $500 – Maximum $5,000
  • Terms:  1-year – 2 or 3 years
  • Interest Rate:  Prime + 1%
  • Application Fee: WAIVED (originally $50)
  • Loan Closing Fee: 1.5%
  • UCC Filing (State – if applicable): $25
  • Prospective borrowers could qualify for scholarship rates for select CBP training programs (see Scholarship Option below)

Mandatory Requirements

A potential Helping Hands loan client must follow these requirements:

  • Applicant’s business must be in one of the folloowing regions:  Northern Virginia, District of Columbia, and Maryland (Montgomery and Prince Georges counties).
  • Minimum Ten (10) hours of Technical (Classroom) Training – Must be completed prior to loan closing
  • Minimum of Ten (10) hours of one-on-one financial counseling with a CBP BFC Counselor throughout the life of the loan
  • Submit quarterly status updates.
  • Submit annual business and financial reports.
  • Loan recipients will be required to attend monthly peer group meetings – All loan recipients are required to attend a mandatory monthly meeting with their peers to discuss any challenges they are currently facing. Income for the past month will be discussed and goals for the upcoming month will be set.  This meeting gives borrowers a chance to network with their peers and work together toward finding solutions for themselves and each other.  The chance to network and brainstorm with peers is invaluable to the success of any small business.

Getting Started – Complete Loan Inquiry Form for more information

Please contact the Business Finance Center through the form below so we can better understand your needs:

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The Community Business Partnership is an equal opportunity service provider, lender, and employer.

“I started Becky’s Pet Care in 1998 and, thanks to CBP’s expert and caring staff, now have a strong business with over 160 employees.


Becky O’Neil, President, Becky’s Pet Care, Springfield, VA
Community Business Partnership of Springfield, VA