Dollars4Dreams
The Sustainable Economic Development Initiative (SEDI) Dollars for Dreams Program
Dollars for Dreams, a community-supported business-lending program, has been launched by the Sustainable Economic Development Initiative (SEDI) thanks to generous grants from United Way of Northern Arizona; the Flagstaff Community Foundation in collaboration with the Ernest & Evelyn Chilson Foundation, Molly and Joseph Herman Foundation, and GeoFund; the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, Coconino County and the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff.
Business loans have a macro impact. SEDI helps realize the dreams of Flagstaff start-up, existing, and home-based businesses lacking access to small amounts of capital by providing up to $15,000 in initial financing and helping them establish and learn about credit. SEDI reports on client loan history to national credit reporting agencies helping clients create a credit record from which they may be able to secure traditional financing in the future. SEDI may make subsequent loans of a higher principal amount to qualified applicants.
Access to small amounts of start-up and operating capital is a significant barrier for many small and entrepreneurial businesses. By assisting in building credit and providing access to capital, SEDI is helping build innovative and creative small home or cottage-based business capacity in our community.
SEDI's mission is to "promote sustainable economic prosperity in northern Arizona through ecological health, social equity, and a resilient economy." Dollars4Dreams creates jobs and opportunities in the Flagstaff community recognizing that when given the opportunity, people can make a dramatic positive change in their own lives and in the lives of others.
Before Applying for a Business Loan
SEDI highly recommends that you meet with these two stellar small-business resources before applying for a business loan.
- Coconino Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Whether you just have an idea, you're starting a new business or growing an existing one, the Coconino SBDC is a local source for business support. Registered clients have access to free, confidential business consulting services provided by experienced small business experts in finance, marketing, government procurement, operations and human resources. - Moonshot at NACET
A 501c3 non-profit headquartered in Flagstaff who helps entrepreneurs from all walks of life in all market sectors—young and old—grow and scale their businesses and create jobs.