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Georgia Loan Participation Program (GA LPP)
General · Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) · GA
The Georgia Loan Participation Program is a state loan program run by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs that buys up to 25% of a small business loan to improve financing terms, and it's for Georgia small businesses with 500 or fewer employees applying through a participating lender.
The Georgia Loan Participation Program (GA LPP) is a state-run financing tool administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) under the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Rather than giving cash grants, the program works by having the state purchase a participation of up to 25% of an approved lender's loan to a small business. This structure is designed to improve financing terms and expand access to capital for small businesses that might otherwise struggle to secure full financing from a bank or lender alone.
Loans supported through this program generally range from $100,000 to $5,000,000, with the state's participation capped at 25% of the loan amount. The program places particular emphasis on supporting SEDI-owned (socially and economically disadvantaged individuals) businesses and very small businesses, though exact criteria should be confirmed with DCA or the participating lender.
Businesses do not apply to the state directly. Instead, they work through a participating lender who originates the loan, and the state then buys a share of that loan to reduce the lender's risk and, ideally, make loan terms more favorable for the borrower.
This program matters to small-business owners because it can make a loan more attainable or affordable when growth capital is needed, particularly for owner-occupied Georgia businesses with modest headcounts. Because this is a loan, not a grant, funds must be repaid according to the terms negotiated with the lender. Because SSBCI programs can have periodic funding rounds, business owners should confirm current availability, exact terms, and any updated eligibility requirements directly on the official DCA website before applying.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a loan participation program, not a cash grant — the state buys up to 25% of a loan made by a participating lender.
Do I have to repay this funding?
Yes, because it is structured as a loan through your lender, not a grant, repayment terms apply as negotiated with the lender.
Who is eligible?
Owner-occupied Georgia small businesses with 500 or fewer employees, applying through a participating lender.
How much funding is available?
The state can purchase up to 25% of an approved loan ranging from $100,000 to $5,000,000.
What is the deadline to apply?
Confirm at the official source, as funding rounds may open and close periodically.
Where do I apply?
You apply through a participating lender, not directly with the state; details are at the DCA source link.
Who runs this program?
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) administers it under the federal SSBCI initiative.
Is this available outside Georgia?
No, it is limited to eligible businesses in Georgia (GA).
Does this target specific types of businesses?
It is designed to support SEDI-owned and very small businesses, per the program summary.
Is the funding taxable?
Confirm at the official source, as tax treatment isn't specified in the given facts.
Can I apply directly without a lender?
No, applications go through a participating lender who works with the state on the loan participation.
What is the minimum and maximum loan size covered?
Loans generally range from $100,000 to $5,000,000, with the state buying up to 25% of that amount.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.