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The City of Wilmington’s Office of Economic Development and the Grow America Fund (an affiliate of the National Development Council) have partnered to launch the Grow Wilmington Fund. Together, we are working to help small- and medium-sized companies grow their businesses in Wilmington. With longer loan terms and below-market interest rates, the Grow Wilmington Fund can help businesses stretch their cash flow and save thousands of dollars through lower monthly payments.

  • What is GAF?

    The Grow America Fund is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) licensed under the U.S. Small Business Administration's Preferred Lenders Program (PLP). The GAF focuses on providing flexible and patient expansion loans to established small businesses, manufacturers and distributors.

  • Who is eligible?

    This program is open to qualified, existing businesses in operation for at least two full years with 2 to 500 employees and revenues generally between $500,000 and $20 million (subject to the SBA size standards by industry). Real estate investment or development projects and financing entities are not eligible.

  • How much can I borrow?

    Loans typically range from $150,000 to $2,500,000. However, the amount a business and its affiliates can borrow is subject to underwriting guidelines and availability of loan funds.

  • How can loan funds be used and what are repayment terms?

    • Working Capital - to be repaid over 10 years
    • Machinery & Equipment - to be repaid over 10 years
    • Real Estate Acquisition and/or Renovation - to be repaid over 25 years
    • Tenant Improvements - to be repaid over the life of the lease

  • Is there an application fee?

    There is no application fee to apply.

  • Are there closing fees?

    • Once the loan is approved, the applicant pays a 1% deposit paid at commitment letter signing for appraisal, legal, and other costs incurred prior to closing.
    • SBA guarantee fee of 2-3%
    • All closing costs may be financed into the loan.

  • What are the interest rates?

    • Fixed at full disbursement at 7-year Treasury Rate + 1.67% with an indicative rate of 5.93% as of 8/14/2023.
    • Interest-only periods are possible.

  • What guarantees and collateral is required?

    As relationship lenders, GAF meets with every business in our portfolio annually. We also expect the business to provide us with financial statements and/or tax returns on at least an annual basis.

  • Public Benefits

     As a mission-driven non=profit, GAF must meet at least ONE of the following public benefits:

    • Creation and retention of permanent jobs
    • Serve businesses located in low or moderate income (LMI) census tracts
    • Serve businesses located in redevelopment areas and Enterprise Zones
    • Serve minority- and/or woman-owned businesses