
This guide walks small business owners, solo contractors, and real estate investors in Clackamas County, Oregon through their real financing options — from local credit unions and CDFIs to ITIN-friendly lenders and Oregon state programs. Federal programs like SBA loans are useful context, but the most accessible help usually comes through local intermediaries who know the regional economy. Whether you are just starting out or looking to grow, this guide names specific organizations that actually serve Clackamas County and explains what to expect at each step — without pressure or confusing language.
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.