Business financing in Perry County.

Small business financing is any money you borrow, receive as a grant, or access through a credit line to start, grow, or stabilize a business. In Perry County, this can look like a loan from a local credit union to buy equipment, a microloan from a CDFI to cover startup costs, or a line of credit to manage cash flow between construction jobs.

Financing is not one-size-fits-all. The right product depends on what you need the money for, how long you have been in business, and what kind of income documentation you have. Some lenders want two years of tax returns. Others — especially CDFIs and ITIN-friendly lenders — work with newer businesses and non-traditional income records.

Origin Capital is a directory, not a lender. We help you find the right local contact — we never collect your personal financial information.

Perry County is the economic hub of the Kentucky Coalfields region, anchored by Hazard. The local economy includes healthcare (ARH — Appalachian Regional Healthcare is a major employer), retail, skilled trades, construction, agriculture, and a growing number of small service businesses. Many residents are self-employed or work seasonal or contract jobs.

This matters for financing because most traditional bank lenders want steady, documented income. If you are a solo contractor, a seasonal worker running a side business, or a newer entrepreneur, you may not fit the standard mold — but you are not disqualified.

Here is a general picture of who can qualify for common financing types in this region:

• **Established businesses (2+ years, filed taxes):** Eligible for most bank loans, SBA-guaranteed loans, and credit union products.

• **Newer businesses (under 2 years):** Better fit for CDFI microloans, small grants from regional programs, or credit-builder loan products.

• **ITIN holders:** Several CDFI and community lenders in Kentucky work with ITIN filers. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a valid form of identification for lending purposes at many of these institutions.

• **Low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs:** Programs through the Kentucky Highland Investment Corporation (KHIC) and Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) funded partners often prioritize underserved entrepreneurs in counties like Perry.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, the best first step is a free conversation with a local CDFI or SBDC advisor — no application required.

Gathering documents before you talk to a lender saves time and makes you look prepared. The exact list depends on the lender and the loan type, but here is what most organizations serving Perry County will ask for:

**For all applicants:**

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

• ITIN or Social Security number

• Most recent 2 years of personal tax returns (or business tax returns if you have them)

• 3–6 months of bank statements (personal and/or business)

• Proof of business address (utility bill, lease, or business license)

**For more established businesses:**

• Business license or DBA registration (filed with the Perry County Clerk)

• Profit and loss statement (even a simple one you create yourself)

• Any existing business debt statements (other loans or credit cards)

**For startup businesses or microloans:**

• A basic business plan or written explanation of what you do and how you make money

• A simple budget showing how you will use the funds

• Any contracts or letters of intent from customers

**ITIN filers:** Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS and any Individual Tax Identification documents. CDFIs and some credit unions in the region are familiar with this and will not penalize you for not having a Social Security number.