
This guide walks solo contractors and small real-estate investors in Fayette County, Kentucky through the core financing options available locally — from community lenders and credit unions to ITIN-friendly institutions and state-backed programs. It names real local intermediaries that serve this region, explains what documents you typically need, and flags the warning signs of predatory lending. Whether you are just starting out or ready to grow, this guide helps you take the next step with confidence and without pressure.
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.