Business Financing Guide for Chatham County, Georgia
This guide helps solo contractors, small business owners, and real estate investors in Chatham County, Georgia understand their financing options, who qualifies, what documents to gather, and which local organizations can help. We highlight community lenders, CDFIs, and credit unions that actually serve the Savannah area — not just big banks or federal programs. Whether you have a Social Security Number or an ITIN, there are real pathways available to you. Take your time, compare your options, and reach out to a local intermediary before signing anything.
It's a tool, not a trap.
Four doors worth knowing.
Every institution below comes from public federal data — the CDFI Fund certified list (Jan 2026), NCUA credit union data (Mar 2026), and the SBA microloan intermediary list — plus a short national tier we verified by hand. No listing is paid.
Nonprofit small-business lender. Accepts ITIN in place of SSN. Serves most states, in English and Spanish.
Microloans for women entrepreneurs. Requires photo ID and proof of address — no SSN requirement. Branches in major metro areas.
Zero-interest lending circles and credit building. SSN or ITIN accepted. Works through nonprofit partners across the country.
Don't fall into these traps.
Still don't see your situation?
Ask Iris. She'll explain it the way it should have been explained the first time.