AOC’s Unique Small Business Lending Approach
Albina Opportunities Corporation facilitates business opportunities, and creates jobs and wealth for Portland’s underserved business owners by providing loans, equity investments, quasi-equity investments and credit enhancements to women, immigrant, disabled and minority-owned businesses that are “under-banked” or do not have access to traditional credit opportunities.
Small businesses account for the largest number of jobs created in Oregon. Many of these businesses are ready to expand but do not qualify for traditional small business loans. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), AOC makes loans through partnerships with local area banks, micro-lenders, and other institutional entities. Examples include “gap” financing that is needed to make a loan package that normally would not have been approved due to poor credit or lack of security. This type of loan works for both the lender and the borrower.
AOC, through its own special loan program and commitment to assist “under-banked” companies, believes that it can make a significant positive impact and stimulate our local economy by providing small businesses with loans and other financial alternatives. This will result in the creation of more jobs and the addition of economic wealth needed to provide stability to our communities.
AOC was formed with the support of Meyer Memorial Trust, The Oregon Community Foundation, Pacific Power, Albina Community Bank, and a group of individuals that are passionate about entrepreneurial development among underserved communities.
More than just financing…AOC’s Business Advisor Support Services Program
AOC believes that one of the most effective tools for creating a successful and sustainable business is to provide assistance to our small business owners from experienced business people who understand the problems and the day-to-day struggles that many small businesses experience. All AOC borrowers have access to our business groups and strategic networking alliances. Our Business Advisory group provides a tremendous support system for our business owners by providing feedback, support, accountability, and most importantly, they are dedicated to the success of each member.
AOC Borrowers have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with one or more AOC Business Advisors and the chance to network with other small business owners during AOC’s Quarterly Connect events. These events bring AOC borrowers, Business Advisors, lending partners, staff and Board of Directors together to collaborate, share experiences, form relationships and bolster the success of the group as a whole.
For information on applying for a loan from AOC visit our Loan Information page.