Business Loans
Access to capital is often one of the biggest barriers to starting or growing a small business. Through the IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO), we help eligible entrepreneurs access affordable business loans designed to support long‑term financial stability.
CEO is a national, nonprofit financial institution and a U.S. Treasury‑certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that offers small‑dollar loans to individuals who may not qualify for traditional financing, including those with limited or no credit history.
About CEO Business Loans
CEO business loans are designed to help entrepreneurs start or expand small businesses while also building credit and financial confidence.
Key features include:
Affordable interest rates
Loans geared toward small business needs
Credit‑building opportunities
Support from IRC Business Counselors during the application process
*Please note: The IRC Staff assists with preparation and submission, but all loan decisions are made by CEO, not IRC staff.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Business loans are available to individuals who are actively engaged with the IRC’s Small Business Program.
To apply, clients must:
Be enrolled in or working with an IRC Small Business Program
Complete required training related to banking and credit
Meet CEO’s lending guidelines
Some loan products or programs may have additional eligibility requirements based on funding sources.
Being eligible to apply for a loan does not guarantee loan approval. Loan approval decisions are made by CEO based on financial readiness and lending criteria.
Types of Business Loans
Business loans are available to qualifying individuals to support startup or expansion costs such as equipment, inventory, and other approved business expenses.
For the most up‑to‑date loan information and terms, please visit CEO’s website for more information:
For other loan products not related to small businesses, please visit the Personal Loans page.
How to Apply for a Business Loan
Step 1: Meet with an IRC Business Counselor
Fill out the Small Business Interest form to make an appointment & meet with a Business Counselor at the IRC in Utah office to complete a CEO loan application and review your readiness.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Exact requirements may vary, but commonly requested documents include:
Personal email address
Valid government‑issued ID
Social Security card (if applicable)
U.S. bank account information
Recent bank statements
Verifiable business income (if applicable)
Previous year’s tax return
Business license, EIN, or incorporation documents (if available)
Business plan and 12‑month cash flow projections
Your Business Counselor will confirm what documents are required for your specific application.
Step 3: Application Review
Your Business Counselor submits the application to CEO and follows up if additional information is needed.
Step 4: Loan Approval & Disbursement
If approved, you may be asked to sign loan documents at the IRC office. Some loans may require collateral as a condition of approval.
Important Information About Loan Decisions
Loan approvals are handled entirely by CEO, not IRC staff
Approval timelines may vary
Loan approval is not guaranteed
CEO evaluates credit history, repayment ability, and business readiness
We encourage all applicants to review CEO’s loan decision guidelines and speak with their Business Counselor to understand expectations.
Apply for a Business Loan:
If you are interested in applying for a business loan, please click on the button to fill out the intake form to meet with an IRC UT Small Business Counselor.
CA FINANCE LENDER’S LICENSE #60DBO54868
LOANS MADE OR ARRANGED PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA FINANCE LAW LICENSE
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS OVERSIGHT, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
www.irc-ceo.org