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Arizona Loan Guarantee Program (SSBCI)
General · Arizona Commerce Authority · AZ
The Arizona Loan Guarantee Program, run by the Arizona Commerce Authority using federal SSBCI funds, isn't a cash grant but a program that guarantees part of a small business loan from a partner lender, helping Arizona small businesses and nonprofits that can't qualify for conventional financing get approved.
The Arizona Loan Guarantee Program is a state-run credit-enhancement program funded through the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). It is administered by the Arizona Commerce Authority. Rather than providing a cash grant directly to businesses, this program works by having the state guarantee a portion of a loan made by a participating lender, typically a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). This guarantee reduces the lender's risk, making it more likely that a small business or nonprofit that would otherwise be turned down for conventional financing can get approved.
Funds obtained through a loan backed by this guarantee can be used for a range of business needs, including startup costs, working capital, equipment purchases, inventory, and facility improvements. This makes the program broadly useful to small business owners across many industries who are looking to grow or stabilize their operations but who face obstacles such as limited credit history, inconsistent cash flow, or insufficient collateral to qualify for a standard bank loan on their own.
Because this is a loan-guarantee mechanism rather than a straightforward grant, businesses should understand that they will still be borrowing money from a partner lender and will be responsible for repaying that loan under its terms. The state's guarantee simply improves the odds of approval and may improve loan terms.
Specific award amounts depend on the participating lender and the individual loan. Business owners interested in applying should confirm current program rounds, lender partners, and eligibility requirements directly on the Arizona Commerce Authority's official SSBCI page, since program details can change over time.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a loan guarantee program, not a cash grant — you borrow from a partner lender, and the state guarantees part of that loan.
Do I have to repay the money?
Yes, since the funds come as a loan from a lender, not a grant, you must repay it under the loan's terms.
Who runs this program?
The Arizona Commerce Authority administers it, using federal State Small Business Credit Initiative funding.
Who is eligible?
Arizona small businesses and eligible nonprofits that can't get conventional financing due to cash-flow, credit, or collateral shortfalls.
How much funding can I get?
Loan amounts vary by partner lender; this is not a fixed cash grant amount. Confirm at the official source.
What can the loan proceeds be used for?
Startup costs, working capital, equipment, inventory, and facility improvements.
Is there a deadline?
The listing notes to check current rounds; there is no fixed deadline given. Confirm at the official source.
Where do I apply?
Through a participating lender or CDFI, as coordinated via the Arizona Commerce Authority's SSBCI page.
Is the funding taxable?
This is not addressed in the available information — confirm at the source.
Can businesses outside Arizona apply?
No, this program is limited to Arizona-based businesses and nonprofits.
Do I need to already have been rejected by a bank?
The program targets businesses that cannot obtain conventional financing due to cash-flow, credit, or collateral issues, though specific documentation requirements should be confirmed at the source.
Is this a one-time program or ongoing?
It operates in rounds tied to SSBCI funding; confirm current round status at the official source.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Arizona Commerce Authority; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.