Welcome to the Utah Microloan FundWe make the dreams of small business owners a reality. Are you next?
Since 1991, we have provided business education and microloans to entrepreneurs in start-up & existing businesses that do not qualify for traditional funding sources. |
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"Being part of the Banking on Women program has helped me build real confidence in how I run and grow my business. The connections I’ve made with other women have been invaluable—supportive, inspiring, and full of shared wisdom. It’s given me a sense of community and the reassurance that I’m not navigating entrepreneurship alone.
Receiving two loans from the UMLF has been the cherry on top.” Tooele Valley Mental Health | Mindful Collective
Tooele, UT |
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"Without the Utah Microloan Fund, we would not be in business today. They believed in us when almost no one else did. While other groups took weeks to communicate with us, UMLF didn’t let a day go by without contacting us.
Seeing that they believed in us and wanted us to succeed increased our confidence in ourselves, and that shines through in our business.” Mobility Prosthetics
Murray, UT |
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“In the last couple of years, I have had several large orders that I turned away simply because we could not afford the ingredients or machinery to fulfill them.
The Utah Microloan Fund made it possible for us to take one of those big orders. It was so liberating to know I could do it. Now I want more! We are more ready than ever before for big orders! It is our time to move forward for JulieAnn Caramels!” JulieAnn Caramels
Sandy, UT |
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"My funding from the UMLF has helped me expand our menu offerings and product lines as well as hire staff as we grew. The classes and advisors there are always there to help me when I get stuck to get unstuck with alternatives and/or solutions. Their advice has been so appreciated because they understand my businesses and they know ME as a person and know how to help me through my weaknesses in order for me to grow and expand."
Kahve Cafe
Salt Lake City, UT |
Frequently Asked Questions
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What exactly is a CDFI? How do we differ from a bank?
Get answers to these questions and more in our FAQ section. |
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Who is eligible to receive a loan through Utah Microloan Fund?
The UMLF is considered a “lender of last resort,” meaning we try to help business owners who aren’t able to receive bank financing because of poor credit, insufficient business history, insufficient collateral, etc.
How are you different from a bank?
Our lending guidelines are more flexible than traditional banks because our purpose is impact, not profit. This means that we are able to take more risks due to our mission. While we consider factors like credit score, collateral, and history, a lot of what we do is based on a solid business plan and your personal character.
Does the Utah Microloan Fund help startups?
Yes. Banks typically require at least two years of business financials to be considered for a loan, which makes it hard for start-ups to receive funding. We fill that gap.
If you have previously been declined from a bank loan but have a great idea you may be a good fit for us! While we consider factors like credit score, collateral, and history, a lot of what we do is based on a solid business plan and your personal character. What is the process for applying for a loan?
The best place to start is with our Loan Orientation. Learn more here: www.utahmicroloanfund.org/orientation
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Business Feature ✨Elgon Nuts - Tooele
"For co-founder Joseph Sitati, Elgon Nuts is more than a business—it’s a calling. Rooted in the fertile highlands east of Mt. Elgon in Western Kenya, Elgon Nuts sources its macadamias from small farmers using traditional methods. With roasting, pressing, and packaging happening stateside in Utah, Elgon Nuts creates a seamless, sustainable bridge between the farmers who grow the crop and the consumers who enjoy it. It’s a global operation with a deeply personal mission—to nourish communities on both sides of the supply chain."
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Utah Small Business ClassesNeed extra help getting your business of the ground?
We offer virtual classes covering topics like social media, cash flow, HR, financials, business planning and more. These classes are free and open to the public throughout the state of Utah. |
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