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Guam Development Fund Act Loan Program (GDFA)
General · Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) · GU
The Guam Development Fund Act Loan Program is a below-market gap-financing loan, not a grant, offered by the Guam Economic Development Authority to Guam business owners who were denied conventional financing, with loans up to $1,200,000.
The Guam Development Fund Act Loan Program (GDFA) is a gap-financing loan program administered by the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA). It is designed for businesses on Guam that have tried to secure conventional financing from private lenders but were unable to obtain full funding. Rather than a cash grant, GDFA provides below-market term loans intended to fill the financing gap left after a business has been turned down by private lenders.
The program targets priority economic sectors on Guam, generally including agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, tourism, and related support industries. Loans made under the program can go up to a maximum of $1,200,000, carrying an interest rate of up to 4% plus the applicable U.S. Treasury index rate. This structure makes the financing more affordable than typical commercial loans, while still requiring repayment over time.
To be considered, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who own a registered, licensed Guam business. A key requirement is that applicants must first seek private financing and be denied — specifically, they must provide two written loan-denial letters from private lenders before applying to GDFA. This demonstrates that GDFA is meant as a last-resort or supplemental financing source, not a first stop for business capital.
For a small-business owner on Guam who has struggled to get a bank loan, this program may offer a path to needed capital at a more manageable interest rate. However, because it is a loan and not a grant, funds must be repaid according to the loan terms. Business owners should confirm current award amounts, open application rounds, and detailed eligibility requirements directly with GEDA or through the official Invest Guam website before applying.
Who qualifies
How to apply
1. Attempt to secure financing from private lenders and obtain two written loan-denial letters, as these are required for eligibility.
2. Gather documentation proving your business is registered and licensed in Guam.
3. Contact the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) or visit the Invest Guam entrepreneurs page to review current application requirements and open rounds.
4. Apply through the official site: https://www.investguam.com/entrepreneurs-startups/
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a loan program, not a cash grant, despite being called the Development Fund Act Loan Program.
Do I have to repay the money?
Yes, it is a term loan with interest, so repayment is required.
How much can I receive?
Loans go up to a maximum of $1,200,000.
What is the interest rate?
Up to 4% plus the applicable U.S. Treasury index rate.
Who is eligible?
U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a registered, licensed Guam business, generally in agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, tourism, or support industries.
Do I need to be denied by a bank first?
Yes, applicants must provide two written loan-denial letters from private lenders.
What industries does this support?
Generally agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, tourism, and support industries.
What is the deadline to apply?
Confirm current rounds at the official source, as no fixed deadline is listed.
Who runs this program?
The Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) administers the GDFA loan program.
Where do I apply?
Through the official Invest Guam website at https://www.investguam.com/entrepreneurs-startups/.
Is this available outside Guam?
No, it is limited to businesses registered and licensed in Guam.
Is the loan amount taxable?
Confirm at the source, as tax treatment is not specified in the available information.
Can any small business apply?
Only businesses that meet the residency, licensing, and prior loan-denial requirements, generally within listed priority sectors.
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.