Business financing in Henry County.

Small business financing is money you borrow — or receive — to start, grow, or stabilize a business. It can take many forms: a traditional bank loan, a microloan from a nonprofit lender, a line of credit for operating costs, or an equipment loan to buy tools and machinery. For real estate investors, it might mean a loan to purchase or renovate a rental property.

Financing is not one-size-fits-all. The right product depends on your business stage, your credit history, how long you have been in business, and what the money is for. In Henry County, many small businesses are in agriculture, construction, light manufacturing, and retail — and the financing products available here reflect that local economy.

Origin Capital is a directory, not a lender. This guide points you toward the people and institutions who can actually help you — locally.

Henry County sits in the heart of the Western Illinois region, with a population of roughly 48,000. The county seat is Cambridge, and major communities include Kewanee, Geneseo, and Colona. The local economy is anchored by agriculture (corn, soybeans, and hog farming), manufacturing, healthcare, and small retail.

Most local lenders look at a combination of the following when deciding whether to approve a loan:

• Time in business: Many traditional bank loans require at least 2 years of business history. However, CDFIs and microlenders often work with newer businesses or startups.

• Credit score: A score of 620 or higher helps with conventional loans, but some CDFI and nonprofit lenders will work with lower scores if you have a strong business plan.

• Revenue and cash flow: Lenders want to see that your business earns enough to repay the loan. Bank statements and tax returns are the usual proof.

• Collateral: Some loans require assets (equipment, real estate) to secure the debt. Others, especially microloans, may not.

• ITIN borrowers: If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can still access financing through ITIN-friendly lenders. This is covered in the local lenders section below.

• Sole proprietors and independent contractors: You are fully eligible to apply for business financing. Your personal and business finances may be reviewed together.

Henry County's agricultural identity also means that farm-linked businesses — equipment repair, trucking, agri-processing — may qualify for agriculture-adjacent loan products through regional lenders or USDA programs.

Gathering your documents before you apply saves time and improves your chances. Here is what most lenders in the Henry County area will ask for:

**For all applicants:**

• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID / matrícula consular)

• ITIN or Social Security Number

• Business license or registration (if applicable — Illinois requires most businesses to register with the Secretary of State)

• Last 2 years of personal tax returns (Form 1040)

• Last 2 years of business tax returns (if your business is a separate entity)

• Last 3–6 months of personal and business bank statements

• A simple business plan or written description of what the loan will be used for

• Proof of business address (utility bill, lease agreement)

**If you are a sole proprietor or independent contractor:**

• Schedule C from your most recent tax return

• Any 1099 forms you received

• Invoices or contracts showing current or expected income

**For real estate investors:**

• Property address and current appraisal or estimated value

• Lease agreements (if the property is already rented)

• Rent roll (a list of units and current rents)

• Insurance documentation

**Tip:** If you are missing some documents, do not give up. CDFI loan officers are trained to work with non-traditional borrowers and can often help you gather or substitute documentation.