LiftFund
LiftFund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit CDFI founded in 1994 that provides affordable small business loans, disaster recovery grants, and business support services to underserved entrepreneurs across 15+ U.S. states.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersSan Antonio, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What LiftFund does
LiftFund Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) founded in 1994 in San Antonio, Texas, by Janie Barrera (originally incorporated as Acción Texas and rebranded to LiftFund in 2015). The organization lends to small business owners and entrepreneurs who do not qualify for traditional bank financing due to limited credit, collateral, or business history, with a particular specialization in disaster recovery capital. Over 30+ years, LiftFund has deployed approximately $1.5 billion across 30,000+ small business loans, sustaining a 96% loan repayment rate and supporting roughly 121,000 jobs created or retained.
LiftFund's product portfolio spans SBA 7(a) Community Advantage and SBA 504 loans, general small business loans ranging from $500 to $10 million, and a layered set of special programs including the Heroes Program for veteran entrepreneurs (5% fixed rate), GLUEE for commercial real estate in Houston (4% fixed), HEET for energy efficiency, and more than 15 municipal interest buydown partnerships offering 0% to 2.5% loans in cities such as San Antonio, McAllen, Edinburg, Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Arlington, Buda, Lockhart, Laredo, and Irving. Disaster recovery offerings include rapid grants up to $50,000 and 0% interest loans up to $500,000, with the capacity to deploy capital within 7-10 days of qualifying disasters. The underlying technology stack includes a proprietary Microloan Management System (developed in 2007 for non-traditional underwriting), an online loan application portal at los.liftfund.com, and AI-assisted communications tools (automated dialing, SMS, and AI-generated voice) layered on top of live lending specialists.
LiftFund's business model blends recurring interest income and origination fees from a recycled loan portfolio with donations, foundation grants, and corporate contributions. Major capital providers include Wells Fargo (~$15M cumulative since 1994, the original disaster recovery catalyst), Bank of America, the U.S. Treasury CDFI Fund, JP Morgan Chase, Citi Foundation, WoodNext Foundation, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. Distribution combines an online self-service application, field-based lending specialists across Texas regions and nationwide, free business coaching and workshops, and dedicated SBA program teams. The organization expanded nationwide in 2025 and received the 2025 Outstanding CDFI Award from the Opportunity Finance Network.
LiftFund firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- LiftFund
- Legal name
- LiftFund Inc.
- Website
- https://liftfund.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- LiftFund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit CDFI founded in 1994 that provides affordable small business loans, disaster recovery grants, and business support services to underserved entrepreneurs across 15+ U.S. states.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
LiftFund industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Development Finance
- NAICS
- Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423)
- SIC
- Short-Term Business Credit Institutions (6153)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Impact Investing & Social Finance (Funds, CDFIs, Microfinance) (BPAGALAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) and Emergency Livelihood Support (BPAGAAAJ), Public Charities & Grantmaking Intermediaries (BPAGAKAE), Disaster Restoration & Repair Financing (FSALAHAJ)
Keywords
Where LiftFund is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Antonio
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
LiftFund business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Loan Interest: LiftFund generates revenue through interest charged on small business loans. Rates vary by program from 0% (zero-interest programs) to market rates up to 6% (Prime WSJ+). The organization offers SBA 7(a) Community Advantage, SBA 504, and various special program loans.
- Loan Origination Fees: Standard loan origination fees apply for most loan products. Some special programs like Kerr County waive origination fees.
- Donations and Grants: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, LiftFund receives donations, corporate contributions, and foundation grants to fund disaster relief programs and operations. Donors include Bank of America, Wells Fargo, WoodNext Foundation, and others.
- 96% Loan Repayment Rate: High repayment rate demonstrates sustainable revenue model. Most loans are repaid over time, allowing capital to be recycled for future borrowers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Small Business Loans - $500 to $10M with rates as low as 0% |
| Subscription | Monthly | Heroes/Veterans Program - 5% fixed rate up to $100K |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Kerr County Disaster Recovery - 0% interest loans up to $500,000 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Recovery Fund Grants - Up to $50,000 |
| Subscription | Monthly | GLUEE Program - 4% fixed rate for commercial real estate |
| Subscription | Monthly | SBA 7(a) Community Advantage - Prime WSJ+ up to 6% |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
LiftFund product offering
Product offeringCore offering
LiftFund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides small business loans, disaster recovery grants, and free business advisory services to underserved entrepreneurs who cannot access traditional bank financing. Core products include SBA 7(a) Community Advantage and SBA 504 loans, general small business loans ranging from $500 to $10 million, and numerous special programs such as interest buydown loans in partnership with 15+ cities, the Heroes veteran lending program, the GLUEE commercial real estate program, and rapid disaster relief loans and grants deployed within days of natural disasters.
Product overview
LiftFund operates as a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) offering a comprehensive suite of lending products and business support services. The core offerings include SBA 7(a) Community Advantage and SBA 504 loans, general small business loans ranging from $500 to $10 million, and numerous special programs featuring reduced-rate and interest-free loans through city and community partnerships. Disaster relief programs provide grants and 0% loans for businesses affected by natural disasters, while the Heroes Program serves veteran entrepreneurs. The GLUEE program supports commercial real estate ownership in Houston. Additional services include the Capital Readiness Check assessment tool and free business support workshops covering topics like AI tools, QuickBooks, and government contracting. The portfolio spans loan products for startups through established businesses, disaster recovery programs across multiple states, and specialized community-focused initiatives.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SBA 7(a) Community Advantage SBA's most flexible loan program for small businesses, usable for working capital, equipment, inventory, debt refinancing, or real estate purchases. Available in select states including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Rates up to Prime WSJ+ (up to 6%) with 7-10 year terms (25 years for real estate) and SBA guarantee. No prepayment penalties.
- SBA 504 Loan SBA loan for long-term fixed assets including land, buildings, or large machinery purchases. Typically best for established businesses making major investments, with 7-10 year terms (25 year for real estate).
- Small Business Loans General small business loans for commercial real estate purchases, equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements, supplies, vehicles, and working capital. Designed for entrepreneurs with limited credit, collateral, or experience. Loan amounts from $500 to $10 million with 1-15 year terms.
- Kerr County Small Business Recovery Program Grants up to $50,000 and 0% interest rate loans up to $500,000 for small businesses in Kerr County and Comfort, TX affected by July 2025 floods. Includes 12-180 month terms with waived origination fees. Operated in partnership with Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
- San Angelo Flood Relief Grant funding and interest-free loans for small businesses in Tom Green, Menard, and McCulloch counties impacted by July floods. Offers loans up to $50,000 with 60-month terms and additional grant funding equal to 7% of loan amount.
- LA Wildfires Grant Program $250,000 grant program providing up to $5,000 in immediate financial assistance to small businesses devastated by Los Angeles County wildfires.
- GLUEE (Growing, Leveraging, Uplifting, and Educating Entrepreneurs) Real estate ownership program supported by Wells Fargo offering 4% fixed interest rate loans for small businesses in Houston MSA to purchase commercial real estate. Includes technical assistance to support business growth and stability.
- CoSA Zero Loan (City of San Antonio) 0% interest rate loans from $500 to $100,000 for small businesses in San Antonio city limits, funded through City of San Antonio Economic Development Department partnership.
- McAllen Zero Loan 0% interest rate loans up to $250,000 exclusively for small businesses located in the City of McAllen.
- CDFI Friendly Fort Worth 0% Interest Rate Loan 0% interest rate loans from $500 to $100,000 for for-profit small businesses in Fort Worth city limits, in partnership with CDFI Friendly Fort Worth.
- Arlington 0% Loan 0% interest rate loan program for small businesses in Arlington, TX.
- Corpus Christi 5.5% Loan Fixed rate 5.5% loans from $5,000 to $75,000 for equipment, inventory, and leasehold improvements exclusively for small businesses in Corpus Christi.
- Edinburg 2.5% Loan Fixed 2.5% interest rate loans up to $50,000 for small businesses in Edinburg city limits.
- Lockhart 0% Loan 0% interest rate loans up to $15,000 exclusively for small businesses in Lockhart city limits.
- THRIVE Loan Program Loans up to $100,000 (Targeted Help for Retention, Innovation, Ventures & Expansion) exclusively for small businesses in Buda city limits, in partnership with Buda EDC.
- Heroes Program (Veterans Loan) Small business loans up to $100K at fixed 5% interest rate for honorably discharged veterans, veteran spouses and active duty members. Funding prioritized for businesses in low-to-moderate income areas. $110 million deployed to veteran-owned small businesses.
- HEET (High Energy Efficiency Transformation) Loan Low-interest loan program for energy efficiency improvements for small businesses, including upgrades like new windows and backup power systems for historic properties.
- Capital Readiness Check Online assessment tool that reviews financial documentation, credit profile, and business preparedness, providing a score across several areas of capital readiness to help small business owners understand their funding readiness.
- Business Support Services Free business support including expert guidance, networking events, workshops on AI, websites, QuickBooks, government contracting, credit, grants, and pricing. Includes one-on-one advising, video tutorials, and document templates.
- Small Business Disaster Recovery & Resilience Fund National initiative providing rapid grants for payroll, cleanup, and reopening (0-30 days), working capital for stabilization (1-12 months), and long-term recovery financing for rebuilding, relocation, and adaptation (1-5 years). Part of a $100 million fund goal.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40% of businesses close permanently without capital within two weeks of disaster
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use LiftFund
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
LiftFund technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature3 records
LiftFund partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Community Foundation of the Texas Hill CountrycorePartnership with LiftFund to provide multiple pathways to recovery for Kerr County and Comfort, TX small businesses affected by July 4 floods. Combined grant and affordable financing program.
- City of San AntoniocoreLong-standing partnership since 2016 delivering over $13.1 million in funding to 415 entrepreneurs. New Zero Percent Interest Rate Loan Program allocates $500,000 to buy down interest on loans from $500 to $100,000.
- City of McAllencoreMcAllen 0% Interest Rate Loan Program offering up to $250,000 for small businesses in the City of McAllen.
- City of EdinburgcoreEdinburg 2.5% Interest Rate Loan Program for small businesses located in Edinburg city limits, loans up to $50,000.
- City of Corpus ChristicoreCorpus Christi 5.5% Fixed Rate Loan Program offering $5,000-$75,000 for equipment, inventory, and leasehold improvements.
- CDFI Friendly Fort WorthmajorCDFI Friendly Fort Worth partnership providing 0% interest rate loans from $500 to $100,000 for for-profit small businesses in Fort Worth.
- City of ArlingtoncoreArlington 0% Interest Rate Loan Program for small businesses in Arlington city limits.
- City of Buda (THRIVE)minorTHRIVE Loan Program (Targeted Help for Retention, Innovation, Ventures & Expansion) for businesses in Buda, up to $100,000.
- City of LockhartminorLockhart 0% Interest Rate Loan Program for small businesses in Lockhart city limits, up to $15,000.
- City of LaredomajorCity of Laredo partnership providing over $300k in funding for Outdoor Spaces, Facade, and Storefront Improvements Program to beautify commercial areas and support small businesses.
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)coreSBA 7(a) Community Advantage and SBA 504 loan programs administered through LiftFund. SBA guarantee enables more flexible lending to underserved markets in 15+ states.
- USAAminorUSAA mentioned in connection with Heroes Program for veteran loans; LiftFund is not affiliated with USAA or its affiliated companies.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights7 records
LiftFund competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Kiva U.S. Crowdfunding-based nonprofit microlender offering 0% interest loans to small business owners. Comparable borrower segment and mission, distinct delivery model (crowdfunded vs. institutional capital).
Direct peers
- Justine PETERSEN Housing & Reinvestment Corporation: Nonprofit CDFI providing small business loans and housing counseling in the St. Louis region and nationally. Comparable microlending products and small business development mission.
- Grameen America: U.S. nonprofit microfinance institution serving entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional capital. Comparable microlending focus, target borrower profile, and group/community lending model.
- Working Solutions CDFI: San Francisco-based nonprofit CDFI providing microloans and small business financing to underserved entrepreneurs. Comparable loan size range, target borrower profile, and mission-driven structure.
- Accion: Global nonprofit microfinance and small business lender. Directly comparable mission and product set to LiftFund, and historically the same organization (LiftFund was founded as Accion Texas before rebranding in 2015).
- TruFund Financial Services: Nonprofit CDFI providing small business loans and disaster recovery financing to underserved borrowers in the South and beyond. Direct product overlap in SBA, microloans, and disaster response lending.
- DreamSpring: Nonprofit CDFI providing small business loans (often $500–$100K) to underserved entrepreneurs, including veterans, across multiple states. Closely matched loan products, target segments, and CDFI structure.
- Self-Help Credit Union / Self-Help Ventures Fund: Mission-driven CDFI credit union offering small business, mortgage, and consumer loans to underserved borrowers. Comparable community development focus and impact lending model.
- CDC Small Business Finance: Nonprofit CDFI focused on SBA 504 and 7(a) lending for small businesses, including underserved communities. Comparable SBA program delivery and small business focus, primarily in the Western U.S.
Others
- Opportunity Finance Network (OFN): National association and intermediary for the CDFI industry; recognized LiftFund with the 2025 Outstanding CDFI Award. Comparable ecosystem role and acts as a peer/funder network rather than a direct lender competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
LiftFund social profiles
Digital presenceLiftFund financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
LiftFund leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
LiftFund funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds9 records
Investors7 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
LiftFund M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about LiftFund
What does LiftFund do?
LiftFund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides small business loans, disaster recovery grants, and free business advisory services to underserved entrepreneurs who cannot access traditional bank financing. Core products include SBA 7(a) Community Advantage and SBA 504 loans, general small business loans ranging from $500 to $10 million, and numerous special programs such as interest buydown loans in partnership with 15+ cities, the Heroes veteran lending program, the GLUEE commercial real estate program, and rapid disaster relief loans and grants deployed within days of natural disasters.
Is LiftFund a public or private company?
LiftFund is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was LiftFund founded?
LiftFund was founded in 1994. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is LiftFund based?
LiftFund is headquartered in San Antonio, United States, in the North America region.
How does LiftFund make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Loan Interest is the primary driver. The others are loan Origination Fees, donations and Grants and 96% Loan Repayment Rate.
Who are LiftFund's main competitors?
Kiva U.S. is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Justine PETERSEN Housing & Reinvestment Corporation, Grameen America, Working Solutions CDFI, Accion, TruFund Financial Services, DreamSpring, Self-Help Credit Union / Self-Help Ventures Fund and CDC Small Business Finance. Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is listed as an others.
Does LiftFund have an API?
No public API is recorded for LiftFund.
What industry is LiftFund in?
LiftFund's product category is Community Development Finance. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAA, Impact Investing & Social Finance (Funds, CDFIs, Microfinance), with a secondary code of BPAGAAAJ, Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) and Emergency Livelihood Support. Its NAICS code is 8132 and its SIC code is 6153.