Did you know? While there was a 48% increase in minority business ownership over the past decade, this growth pales in comparison with non-minority firms.

BCL of Texas is here to help level the playing field with customized lending plan that will help you strategically grow your business. Our Small & Diverse Growth Fund for minority and women-owned businesses offers more flexible underwriting and collateral requirements than traditional lending programs, and is designed specifically to meet your needs as a small business owner.

Get started in 5 easy steps:

1. Submit an inquiry and then sign up for a consultation with our Entrepreneurship Specialists
2. Complete your Financial Readiness Assessment and work with our team to develop a strategic growth plan
3. Apply for a loan starting at $5,000 or all the way up to $50,000
4. Decision turnaround in 7 business days*
5. Take advantage of no-cost business coaching throughout the life of your loan

^{*Upon the receipt of all required documents}

BCL’s goal is to keep Texas communities as strong and vibrant as the people who live here. That’s why we’re offering business capital lending for new business owners within two years of opening shop. We provide no-cost coaching and technical assistance for the life of your loan, and our approach is always customized to your individual needs.

Loans features:

• Loans of $20,000 up to $50,000
• Eligible uses: working capital, real estate, furniture, fixtures, equipment, lines of credit, and more
• Free business coaching for the life of the loan

Use the lender request link above to submit an inquiry for a lending specialist to contact you.

The DECA Loan Fund is a dedicated small business loan program, powered by BCL of Texas, serving active members of the Diversity Ethnic Chamber Alliance (DECA) in Central Texas. The Diversity and Ethnic Chamber Alliance (DECA) is comprised of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Loan Program Overview:

• Loan Amount: $10,000 – $50,000
• Term: 36–60 months depending on use of funds and business profile
• Interest Rate: Not to exceed WSJ Prime + 3%
• No Prepayment Penalty
• Repayment: Equal monthly principal and interest payments term
• Line of Credit and Interest-Only Option up to 6 months may be available for existing businesses, three years or older, experiencing productive growth and expansion

DECA loans may be used for:

• Working capital
• Payroll
• Equipment
• Inventory
• Tenant improvements
• Business construction
• Business vehicles
• Commercial Real estate acquisition
• Business debt refinance

Ineligible uses include repayment of delinquent taxes without a payment plan, owner reimbursements, ownership buyouts, or prohibited business activities

Who Is Eligible

To qualify, businesses must:

• Be an active member of a DECA chamber
• Be legally formed in the State of Texas
• Be an existing for-profit business operating at least two years
• Provide two years of filed tax returns
• Employ 1–50 employees
• Have gross revenues generally between $50,000 and $10 million
• Meet minimum business and personal net worth thresholds
• Have a credit score of 580+

Additionally, the business must meet at least one public purpose aligned with BCL’s mission, such as:

• BIPOC-owned
• Women-owned
• Veteran-owned
• LGBTQ+-owned
• Located in or serving Low-to-Moderate Income communities
• Located in Opportunity Zones, redevelopment areas, or rural communities
• Demonstrating job creation or retention

Geographic Area

Business must be located within the Austin MSA:

• Bastrop
• Caldwell
• Hays
• Travis
• Williamson County

Collateral & Guarantee

• Loans under $25,000 may qualify for unsecured financing, depending on underwriting
• A blanket UCC lien will be filed
• Personal guarantees required for owners with 20% or more ownership

Application Process

• Step 1: Lending Inquiry - Schedule a 1:1 lending conversation to confirm eligibility and discuss your financing needs

• Step 2: Application Invitation - Eligible applicants receive an online application link.

• Step 3: Underwriting - Completed applications are reviewed and underwritten with a decision typically within 5–10 business days

All loans are subject to underwriting and loan committee approval