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Destinu Guahan (State Small Business Credit Initiative)
General · Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) · GU
Destinu Guahan is Guam's SSBCI-funded small business financing program, offering loan guarantees, collateral support, and equity investment through GEDA to help Guam-based small businesses and startups access financing they might not otherwise qualify for.
Destinu Guahan is Guam's implementation of the federally funded State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), administered by the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA). Rather than issuing cash grants directly to businesses, this program works through participating lenders to make bank financing more accessible to Guam-based small businesses that might not otherwise qualify for conventional loans.
The program has three components: a loan guarantee program that can back a loan up to $1,000,000, a collateral support program that can cover up to 49.9% of a loan's collateral requirement, and a $10 million equity/venture capital fund aimed at supporting startups that need equity investment rather than debt financing.
For a small-business owner on Guam who has been turned down by a bank because of insufficient collateral or credit history, this program is designed to close that gap by reducing the lender's risk or by supplying equity capital directly. Because the support flows through a participating lender, businesses typically need to start the conversation with a bank or credit union already working with GEDA on this initiative rather than applying to GEDA directly for cash.
Eligibility depends on meeting SSBCI size standards and use-of-funds rules, and specifics can change as SSBCI rounds open and close. The listing here is based on information as of 2026; award amounts, active funding rounds, and eligibility criteria should be confirmed directly at the official Destinu Guahan site before applying, since federal programs like SSBCI are periodically updated or reallocated.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It's not a cash grant to businesses; it's federally funded credit and equity support (loan guarantees, collateral support, and equity investment) delivered through participating lenders.
Do I have to repay it?
If you receive a guaranteed loan or collateral-supported loan, yes, you repay the loan itself; the equity component works differently since it's investment, not debt. Confirm terms at the official source.
Who is eligible?
Guam-based small businesses meeting SSBCI size and use-of-funds criteria, working through a participating lender; startups may qualify for the equity fund.
How much funding is available?
Loan guarantees up to $1,000,000, collateral support up to 49.9% of a loan, and a $10 million equity/venture capital fund overall.
What's the deadline?
Check current rounds at the official site; no fixed deadline is listed here.
Where do I apply?
Through a participating lender or GEDA; details are at https://www.investguam.com/destinuguahan/.
Is this only for Guam businesses?
Yes, this program is limited to Guam (eligible state/territory: GU).
Is the money taxable?
Confirm at the source; tax treatment isn't specified in the available data.
Can startups apply?
Yes, startups may access the equity/venture capital component if they meet SSBCI criteria.
Who administers this program?
The Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA).
Can I apply directly to GEDA without a bank?
The program works through participating lenders, so you typically need to engage a lender as part of the process; confirm at the source.
What can the funds be used for?
Use-of-funds must meet SSBCI criteria; specific allowable uses should be confirmed at the official site.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official territory source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.