BUSINESS FINANCING · OR

Small Business Financing Guide for Marion County, Oregon

This guide helps solo contractors and small business owners in Marion County, Oregon understand their financing options — from local credit unions and CDFIs to SBA-backed loans and state programs. We focus on the local intermediaries who actually work with people in Salem and the surrounding communities. Origen Capital is a directory, not a lender, and we never collect your personal information. Use this guide to walk into any conversation with a lender feeling informed and prepared.

§ 01 — What it is

What Is Small Business Financing?

Small business financing is money you borrow — or sometimes receive as a grant — to start, run, or grow a business. It can cover equipment, inventory, payroll, a commercial space, or working capital to get through a slow season. Financing comes in several forms: - **Term loans**: You borrow a lump sum and repay it over a set number of months or years, usually with interest. - **Lines of credit**: A flexible account you draw from when you need cash and pay back as you go. - **Microloans**: Smaller loans, typically under $50,000, often easier to qualify for — especially if your credit history is thin. - **Equipment financing**: A loan specifically tied to the equipment you're buying, which often serves as the collateral. - **Grants**: Money you don't repay — competitive and often tied to specific industries, demographics, or community goals. No single product is right for every situation. The goal of this guide is to help you find the right fit for Marion County's economy and your specific business.

§ 02 — Who qualifies

Who Qualifies in Marion County?

Marion County's economy is shaped by agriculture, food processing, state government employment, healthcare, and a growing trades sector. Salem is the county seat and the state capital. Communities like Woodburn, Stayton, Silverton, and Keizer each have their own business ecosystems. Here is what local lenders generally look at: - **Time in business**: Many traditional lenders want at least one to two years in operation. Startups can still qualify through microloan programs or CDFIs. - **Revenue**: Lenders want to see consistent income — even modest amounts. Bank statements, tax returns, or profit-and-loss statements help tell your story. - **Credit score**: A strong score helps, but it's not always required. Some local CDFIs and ITIN-based lenders work with borrowers who have no U.S. credit history. - **Collateral**: Not always required, especially for microloans. Equipment, vehicles, or real estate can strengthen an application. - **Immigration status**: Several lenders in Marion County work with ITIN holders — you do not need a Social Security number to access financing through these partners. Marion County has a significant Spanish-speaking business community, particularly in Woodburn and surrounding agricultural areas. Programs specifically designed for immigrant entrepreneurs exist and are listed in the next section.

§ 03 — What you need

Documents You Will Typically Need

Every lender is different, but gathering these documents ahead of time will make any application process faster: **Identity & Legal Status** - Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID/matrícula consular) - ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or SSN - Business license or registration with the Oregon Secretary of State **Financial Records** - Last 2–3 years of personal and/or business tax returns - Last 3–6 months of business and personal bank statements - Profit-and-loss statement (even a simple one you prepare yourself) - Accounts receivable and payable summaries, if applicable **Business Information** - Business plan or written description of what the loan will fund - Equipment quotes or contractor bids (if the loan is for a specific purchase) - Lease agreement or proof of business address **For Startups** - A clear written plan showing projected revenue and expenses - Any existing contracts, letters of intent, or client commitments If you do not have all of these, don't let that stop you from reaching out to a local CDFI or credit union. Many have counselors who will help you get organized before you apply.

§ 04 — Where to start in Marion County

Local Lenders, CDFIs, and SBA Resources That Serve Marion County

These are the organizations with actual presence and history in Marion County. This is not an endorsement — it is a starting point for your own research. --- **Craft3** A leading Pacific Northwest CDFI with offices in Oregon. Craft3 makes loans to small businesses, especially those in underserved communities, startups, and businesses with limited collateral. They have worked with agricultural and food-based businesses common in the Willamette Valley. Website: craft3.org **Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (OAME)** OAME provides business development support and financing connections for minority-owned businesses across Oregon, including Marion County. They offer microloans, technical assistance, and one-on-one coaching. They are especially strong in serving Latino entrepreneurs. Website: oame.org **Albina Community Bank / Beneficial State Bank** A mission-driven community bank with Oregon roots, focused on underserved borrowers and communities. They offer small business checking, loans, and lines of credit. Website: beneficialstatebank.com **Mid-Valley Bank** A community bank based in Stayton with branches serving Marion and Linn counties. Locally owned and oriented toward small businesses and agricultural operations in the mid-valley area. Website: midvalleybank.com **Unitus Community Credit Union** Serves the greater Salem area and has small business lending products. Credit unions like Unitus are member-owned and often more flexible than big banks. Website: unituscu.com **Maps Credit Union** Headquartered in Salem, Maps is one of the largest credit unions in the mid-Willamette Valley. They offer business checking, small business loans, and lines of credit for Marion County businesses. Website: mapscu.com **Oregon Pacific Bank** A community bank with a focus on small business lending in Oregon, including SBA loan products. Website: oregonpacificbank.com **SBA Oregon District Office (Portland)** The U.S. Small Business Administration's Oregon District Office oversees SBA loan programs statewide, including in Marion County. They do not lend directly — they guarantee loans made through approved local lenders. Contact them to find a certified SBA lender near Salem. Website: sba.gov/offices/district/or/portland **SCORE Willamette Valley Chapter** Free mentoring from experienced business volunteers. They can help you prepare a business plan and get lender-ready before you apply. Website: score.org/chapter/score-willamette-valley **Oregon Small Business Development Center (SBDC) — Chemeketa Community College** Located in Salem, the Chemeketa SBDC offers free one-on-one advising, loan packaging help, and workshops. This is one of the most valuable free resources available to Marion County entrepreneurs. Website: chemeketa.edu/sbdc **ITIN-Friendly Note**: OAME and Craft3 have both worked with ITIN-holding borrowers. If you do not have a Social Security number, lead with that question when you contact any lender — some will say yes.

§ 05 — What to avoid

Oregon State-Specific Regulatory Notes and Programs

Oregon has several state-level programs and rules that affect small business borrowers. Here are the most relevant ones for Marion County: **Business Oregon (State of Oregon Economic Development Agency)** Business Oregon administers several programs that complement private loans: - **Oregon Capital Access Program (OCAP)**: Encourages local lenders to make loans they might otherwise decline by building a loan loss reserve. Ask your bank or credit union if they participate. - **Oregon Small Business Relief Fund**: Depending on the year and state budget, Oregon has offered emergency and recovery grants. Check businessoregon.com for current availability. - **Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund (EDLF)**: Low-interest loans for Oregon businesses that can't get conventional financing, administered through Business Oregon. **Oregon Licensing and Registration** Before applying for a business loan, make sure your business is properly registered with the Oregon Secretary of State. Contractors must also hold a valid license through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). Lenders will verify these. **Oregon Interest Rate Rules** Oregon has consumer lending protections, but many business loans fall outside the rate caps that apply to consumer loans. Always ask for the APR (annual percentage rate) — not just the factor rate or weekly payment amount — so you can compare offers honestly. **Oregon Consumer Finance Division** The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) licenses many lenders operating in the state. If you have a complaint about a lender or want to verify a lender's license, contact DFR: dfr.oregon.gov

§ 06 — Ask a question

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