
This guide helps solo contractors, small business owners, and real estate investors in Marion County, Indiana understand their financing options. It focuses on local lenders, CDFIs, credit unions, and community programs that are designed to serve people where they are — including those without a traditional credit history. Federal programs like SBA loans are explained as background, while local intermediaries take center stage. Take your time reading, compare your options, and never feel pressured to sign anything quickly.
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.
Ask Iris. She'll explain it the way it should have been explained the first time.