Finance Your Business

Starting or growing a business takes money, and getting a loan can be challenging for an entrepreneur. Most banks want a proven track record and won't loan to start-ups or those with less than a two-year financial history. 

That's why the EDB created the following financing options for businesses that don't qualify for conventional loan financing. 

The EDB has partnered with the Economic Development & Financing Corporation (EDFC) of Mendocino to provide creative funding solutions for new or existing businesses with a regional Revolving Loan Fund. 1 million dollars is currently available in funds for Sonoma County small businesses with loan starting at $50,000 up to $250,000. Fixed interest rates start at 6% APR and terms range from 3-15 years. 

Click here for application materials and to apply.

For more information and assistance with the Revolving Loan Fund, contact Robert Gernert with EDFC at robert@edfc.org or (707) 234-5705. 

EDFC provides a critical link between the public and private sectors acting not just as a lender but also as an economic development organization. We work with a multitude of partners to develop plans and implement projects that support economic growth.

Starting in Summer 2016, the EDB is pleased to announce the launch of the Sonoma County Loan Fund, a micro-lending pool for startup and expanding entrepreneurs in Sonoma County. This unique partnership has brought together eight local lending institutions to invest $255,000 to create a micro-lending fund for local businesses that don’t qualify for traditional bank financing. The Sonoma County Loan Fund will be administered by Working Solutions, an experienced nonprofit lender, in partnership with the EDB.

EDB connects qualified businesses to our lending partner, Working Solutions, a 501c3 Community Development Financial Institution, specializing in smaller loans for people who may not qualify for a traditional business loan through a bank, credit union, or other lending agency.  Since the program began, the EDB has worked with nearly 30 companies in Sonoma County, including Taqueria Molcajetes,  The Nectary and  Little Four Clothing to obtain a microloan. To date, Working Solutions has made over $2.7 million in micro loans to Sonoma County businesses.

• Working Solutions 2020 Social Impact Report
• Working Solutions Sonoma Loan Fund Report

Help with Your Loan Application

The EDB will guide you, from start to finish—reviewing your business history and outlook, connecting you with Working Solutions, and helping you through the application process. And like most of EDB's business services, our business loan review is free and confidential. Contact Ethan Brown at ethan.brown@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-7589 to find out the best financing options for you.

The EDB, in partnership with the California Enterprise Development Authority (CEDA), facilitates bond financing to help Sonoma County manufacturing/processing firms and local Non-Profits to expand. 

Industrial Revenue Bonds for Manufacturers

Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs) are tax-exempt securities issued by cities, counties, and joint powers authorities (JPAs), such as CEDA, to provide small- to medium-sized manufacturers money for land purchases, building construction, facility expansion, new production equipment acquisition, and solar and energy conservation retrofits. Benefits of IDB financing include below-market interest rates, long-term financing, and it is available statewide without limitations to specific areas or communities. Overall, IDB financing reduces total financing costs so more capital can be invested back into the organization’s operations.

• Sonoma manufacturer Alvarado Street Bakery secured $8.5 million in bond funds to expand their operations.     
• Visit the CEDA website for more information about Industrial Revenue Bonds for Manufacturers

501c3 Revenue Bonds for Nonprofits

501(c)(3) revenue bond financing facilitates land and building acquisition, building construction, and refinancing of prior debt (for eligible capital projects). Benefits of this type of financing include below-market interest rates, long-term financing, and it is available statewide without limitations to specific areas or communities. A 501(c)(3) revenue bond is preferred over a conventional loan because the interest is tax-exempt and therefore the interest rate is significantly lower than bank financing. Over a long period of time, this can mean substantial savings to the borrower, depending on the amount financed, and reduces total financing costs so more capital can be invested back into the organization’s operations.

• The Humane Society of Sonoma County recently used these bonds to expand their facilities and open the new Healdsburg Center for Animals in 2016. 
• Visit the CEDA website for information about Industrial Revenue Bonds for Non-Profits

About CEDA

CEDA was established as a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) by the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) to address gaps in economic development financing. Specifically, CEDA’s goal is to issue bonds for small to medium-sized California manufacturers or nonprofits looking to grow or expand, and in some cases refinance.

To learn about other financial lending opportunities, check out our Expand your Business page.

• Banks and Credit Unions
• SBA Lenders in Sonoma County
• Alternative Lending Resources
• Angel Investors/Venture Capital
• Environmentally-focused Lending
• Crowdfunding and Other Resources