
Berkeley County, South Carolina is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state, with a diverse economy anchored by manufacturing, logistics, construction, and small retail. Whether you are a solo contractor, a small landlord, or a new business owner, there are real local options for financing — including lenders who work with ITIN holders and those building credit for the first time. This guide walks you through what financing is available, who qualifies, what paperwork to gather, and which local organizations can help you every step of the way.
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.