Business financing in Greene County.

Small business financing is money you borrow or receive to start, run, or grow a business. It comes in several forms:

**Loans:** You borrow a set amount and repay it with interest over time. These can come from banks, credit unions, CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions), or online lenders.

**Lines of credit:** A flexible option where you draw funds as needed — useful for seasonal contractors who have gaps between jobs.

**Microloans:** Small loans, usually under $50,000, designed for newer or smaller businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank loans.

**Equipment financing:** Loans specifically for purchasing tools, vehicles, or machinery — the equipment itself often serves as collateral.

**SBA-backed loans:** The U.S. Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of loans made by approved lenders, which helps lenders say yes to borrowers who might otherwise be turned down. SBA programs are a helpful backstop, but your first conversation should be with a local lender or counselor who knows Greene County.

**Grants:** Free money from government agencies or nonprofits that does not need to be repaid. These are competitive and usually tied to specific purposes (job creation, minority-owned businesses, rural development).

Knowing which type fits your situation is the first step. A local CDFI or small business counselor can help you figure that out before you apply anywhere.

Greene County sits in the Miami Valley region of southwestern Ohio. Its economy blends aerospace and defense (anchored by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base), healthcare, agriculture, retail, and a strong small contractor sector. The county seat is Xenia, with significant commercial activity also in Beavercreek, Fairborn, and Cedarville.

This economic mix means lenders in the area are familiar with:

- **Solo contractors and tradespeople** (electricians, plumbers, landscapers, painters, HVAC)

- **Small retail and food businesses** (restaurants, food trucks, corner stores)

- **Agricultural producers** and rural small businesses in the eastern and southern parts of the county

- **Service providers** supporting the military and healthcare workforce

**General qualification factors lenders look at:**

- Time in business (many want at least 6–12 months, though CDFIs and microlenders are more flexible)

- Personal credit score (most traditional banks want 650+, but CDFIs often work with scores in the 550–600 range)

- Business revenue and cash flow

- Collateral (assets you can pledge against the loan)

- Business plan or demonstrated use of funds

**ITIN borrowers:** If you do not have a Social Security number but have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you are not locked out. Several lenders and CDFIs in the region accept ITIN-based applications. See the local lenders section below.

**New businesses:** If you have been operating for less than a year, traditional bank loans will be harder to get. Microloans, CDFI loans, and small business development counseling are your strongest starting points.

Gathering your paperwork before you apply saves time and signals to lenders that you are organized. The exact list varies by lender, but most will ask for some combination of the following:

**For all applicants:**

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

- ITIN or Social Security number

- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, bank statement)

- Business license or fictitious name registration (DBA) from the county or state

- 2–3 years of personal tax returns (or 1 year if business is newer)

- 2–3 years of business tax returns (if applicable)

- 3–6 months of business bank statements

- A simple profit-and-loss statement or income record

**For newer businesses or microloan applicants:**

- A one-page business plan or description of how you will use the funds

- Any contracts, invoices, or letters of intent showing future work

- Quotes for equipment or supplies you plan to purchase

**For real estate investors:**

- Property purchase agreement or address of property

- Estimated repair costs (if purchasing a fixer-upper)

- Rent rolls or lease agreements (if property is already income-producing)

- Entity documents if purchasing through an LLC

**Tip:** Ohio requires businesses to be registered with the Ohio Secretary of State if they operate as an LLC, corporation, or partnership.

You can register online at ohio.gov/business.

Sole proprietors doing business under their own name are not required to register, but using a trade name (DBA) requires county-level registration at the Greene County Recorder's or Clerk of Courts office.