LiftFund

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.

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

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

• Small business lending
• Disaster recovery loans
• Community development finance
• SBA loan programs
• Microfinance services

Headquarters

HQ city

San Antonio

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. Loan Origination Fees: Standard loan origination fees apply for most loan products. Some special programs like Kerr County waive origination fees.
3. 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.
4. 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

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core 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

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Community Foundation of the Texas Hill CountrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership 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 AntoniocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-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 McAllencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMcAllen 0% Interest Rate Loan Program offering up to $250,000 for small businesses in the City of McAllen.
• City of EdinburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEdinburg 2.5% Interest Rate Loan Program for small businesses located in Edinburg city limits, loans up to $50,000.
• City of Corpus ChristicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorpus Christi 5.5% Fixed Rate Loan Program offering $5,000-$75,000 for equipment, inventory, and leasehold improvements.
• CDFI Friendly Fort WorthmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDFI Friendly Fort Worth partnership providing 0% interest rate loans from $500 to $100,000 for for-profit small businesses in Fort Worth.
• City of ArlingtoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArlington 0% Interest Rate Loan Program for small businesses in Arlington city limits.
• City of Buda (THRIVE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHRIVE Loan Program (Targeted Help for Retention, Innovation, Ventures & Expansion) for businesses in Buda, up to $100,000.
• City of LockhartminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLockhart 0% Interest Rate Loan Program for small businesses in Lockhart city limits, up to $15,000.
• City of LaredomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity 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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSBA 7(a) Community Advantage and SBA 504 loan programs administered through LiftFund. SBA guarantee enables more flexible lending to underserved markets in 15+ states.
• USAAminorOthersUSAA 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

Emerging 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

• Xx.com/LiftFundUS
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/liftfundus
• Facebookfacebook.com/LiftFundUS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/liftfund
• Instagraminstagram.com/liftfundus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds9 records

Investors7 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LiftFund