If you run a small business in New York, 2025 offers a robust mix of state, municipal, federal, and nonprofit loan options to help you grow, weather challenges, or launch new initiatives. But knowing which program fits your needs — and how to qualify — can be complex.
This guide helps you navigate the landscape: what loans are available in New York, how to apply, what local lenders to consider, and tips to strengthen your approval odds.
New York is large and diverse — from NYC to rural upstate communities — and state and city governments actively support small businesses through targeted loan and bond guarantee programs. These can improve access to capital, lower interest rates, or reduce borrower risk.
Also, New York has a strong network of CDFIs, community lenders, and SSBCI-backed initiatives to reach underserved entrepreneurs.
Below are key loan sources you should explore — many of which are state- or city-specific.
New York State SSBCI Programs
New York has deployed about $55.5M in SSBCI funding to support microloans and shorter-term loans (typically under $250,000). Empire State Development
This includes a Capital Access Program designed to help lenders take on riskier deals by providing loan loss reserves. Empire State Development
CDFI Revolving Loan Fund Program
New York’s state CDFI revolving fund provides microloans up to $25,000 through qualified CDFI partners. Interest rates often range from 3% to 8%, and borrowers must put in a 10% equity contribution. Empire State Development
New York Forward Loan Fund 2
This statewide fund offers working capital loans up to $150,000, with terms from 36 to 72 months, no origination fees, and fixed rates. As of mid-2025, rates range from 8.25% to 11.25% depending on term. New York Forward Loan Fund
NYC Future Fund
If your business is in New York City, you can qualify for a revenue-based loan between $100,500 and $500,000 at a 9% fixed rate, with principal payments that flex based on revenue. NYC Business
Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS) – NYC / Long Island
HFLS offers interest-free loans up to $60,000 for small business owners (in NYC’s five boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester) who qualify. Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS)
Renaissance EDC (NYC CDFI)
Renaissance is a certified CDFI that participates in SBA loan programs in NYC and New York State. renaissancesbs.org
TruFund TruAccess NYC Program
Targeted at NYC small businesses, this program offers upfront loans to help businesses bid contracts or cover upfront costs. TruFund
Middletown, NY Small Business Loan Program
A local “gap financing” program offering loans at 3% interest for equipment or expansion projects in the Middletown area. middletownny.gov
SBA 7(a) Loans
New York-based businesses can take advantage of SBA 7(a) loans — versatile, usable for working capital, expansion, equipment, or refinancing. Many state lenders in NY are approved SBA lenders. Resolve Pay+2TD Bank+2
Note: in NYC, the SBA 7(a) guarantee is up to $1.5 million of a loan. NYC Business
SBA 504 / CDC Loans
For larger fixed-asset and real estate investments (e.g., buying your store or major renovations), the SBA 504 program is available via Certified Development Companies (CDCs) in New York. Resolve Pay+1
Community Advantage Loans
Designed to expand capital access in underserved areas. Typically for amounts under $250,000, with higher SBA guarantees (e.g. 85% for loans up to $150,000). Wikipedia
To secure favorable terms, these are common evaluation criteria:
Credit (business + personal)
Time in business & revenue history
Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR)
Collateral & guarantees
Business plan & use of funds
Local presence & community impact (especially for state / CDFI lenders)
Also, being in a priority location (e.g. underserved ZIP codes, high-minority communities) and qualifying as MWBE (Minority or Women-Owned Business) can unlock additional support via NY’s MWBE Lending Program. Empire State Development
Start local: Many state or city programs prefer partnering with local lenders or CDFIs
Use SSBCI to your advantage: Loans backed by or guaranteed through state programs tend to have better terms
Apply early for New Funds: E.g. New York’s Inclusiv Business Forward is matching NY businesses with affordable loans $50,000 to $500,000 via credit unions.
Source from multiple channels: Combine SBA, CDFI, state, and municipal programs
Work with NY-based CDFIs: The NY CDFI list is published (e.g. Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, Women’s Venture Fund, TruFund)
Leverage the NYSBDC & local SBDC offices: They often provide guidance, connections, and referral to preferred lenders
Keep documentation strong: For many state-backed and CDFI loans, collateral, local business impact, and consistency matter as much as credit