Business Development Services

Capital

Capital Summary

Invest Newark is committed to improving economic growth by developing programs and assisting businesses by providing access to resources needed to both build and grow. Invest Newark manages its own investment funds that support local businesses and provides referrals to other sources of capital. We follow through on our commitment to your success by providing support even after you acquire financing.

Business Loans

Purpose: To provide funding for expansion, Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment, and leasehold improvement funds to Newark small businesses of various sizes. 

Loan Use: For projects that will create new jobs in the City of Newark 

Loan Range: $50,000 – $500,000 (Larger requests will require the participation of a co-lender.)

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: 
– Minimum Credit Score of 600 
– Business in Operation for a minimum of 2-years 
– Borrower and corporate entity’s principal owners are US citizens or legal permanent residents 

Details:
Interest Rate:
3%-7%; based on a risk assessment. 

Fees: 1% of the loan, closing costs and legal fees 

Repayment Term: Up to 7 years 

Acquisition Loans

Purpose: The purchase of (and related closing costs) of property in the City

Loan Use: Future planned rental units, commercial buildings, community facilities or mixed-use commercial buildings (street-level storefront with rental units above)

Loan Range: $100,000 to $300,000

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
– Minimum Credit Score of 600 
Evidence of two completed development projects
Borrower and corporate entity’s principal owners are US citizens or legal permanent residents

Interest Rate: up to 7.0% fixed; based on a risk assessment

Fees: up to 1.5% of the loan at origination, with additional closing costs and legal fees

Loan Term: 24 months 

Predevelopment Loans

Purpose: To assist with preliminary expenses related to environmental review, design, structural assessments and/or planning of real estate construction projects

Loan Use: Used for rental or for-sale housing, commercial or mixed-use projects

Loan Range: $50,000 to $350,000

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
– Minimum credit score of 600
– 3 years’ experience with the ability to demonstrate the successful completion of two income producing properties
– Evidence of site control acceptable to Invest Newark
– Borrower and corporate entity’s principal owners are US citizens or legal permanent residents
– Must provide term sheet/letter of interest from external lender expressing interest in long-term construction financing

Interest Rate: up to7.0% Fixed; based on a risk assessment

Fees: up to 1.5% of the loan at origination, closing costs and legal fees

Loan Term: 24 months

Collateral: Primary (first) lien position on the property to be purchased

Construction Financing

Purpose: To provide construction funding for projects that need assistance with stabilization

Loan Use: Used for rental or for-sale housing, commercial or mixed-use projects

Loan Range: $100,000 to $500,000

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: – Minimum credit score of 600
– 3 years’ experience
– Borrower and corporate entity’s principal owners are US citizens or legal permanent residents
– 3 years’ experience with the ability to demonstrate the successful completion of two successful construction properties
– Must provide term sheet or commitment letter from external lender expressing interest in permanent financing

Interest Rate: up to 7.0% fixed; based on a risk assessment

Fees: up to 1.5% of the loan at origination, closing costs and legal fees

Loan Term: Up to 36 months

Small Business Loans

Small Business Term Loan

Purpose: To provide funding for expansion, Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment, and leasehold improvement funds to Newark small businesses of various sizes.

Loan Use: For businesses that will create and sustain employment in the City of Newark

Loan Range: $100,000 – $500,000 (Larger requests will require the participation of a co-lender.)

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
– Minimum Credit Score of 600
– Business in Operation for a minimum of 2-years
– Borrower and corporate entity’s principal owners are US citizens or legal permanent residents

Interest Rate: up to 7.0%; based on a risk assessment.

Fees: up to 1.0% of the loan at origination, closing costs and legal fees

Repayment Term: Up to 60 months

Foodservice Term Loan

Purpose: To provide funding for startup, expansion, Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment, and leasehold improvement funds to Newark’s burgeoning foodservice sector.

Loan Use: For foodservice establishments that will create and continue sustainable employment in the City of Newark

Loan Range: $50,000 – $300,000

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
– Minimum Credit Score of 600
– Business in Operation for a minimum of 2 years or startup with detailed business plan*
– Borrower and corporate entity’s principal owners are US citizens or legal permanent residents

Interest Rate: up to 8.0%; based on a risk assessment.

Fees: up to 1.5% of the loan, closing costs and legal fees

Repayment Term: Up to 60 months

*If the entity is a startup, borrower must show resume of previous foodservice experience

The Cornerstone Loan

Purpose: To provide funding for operating startups, emerging or existing Newark small businesses of various sizes and within Opportunity Zone eligible areas.

Loan Use: For businesses that will create and sustain employment in the City of Newark

Loan Range: $50,000 – $100,000

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
– Minimum Credit Score of 600, maximum 650
– Business in Operation for a minimum of 2-years
– Borrower and corporate entity’s principal owners are US citizens or legal permanent residents

Interest Rate: up to 5%; based on a risk assessment.

Fees: 1% of the loan

Repayment Term: Up to 72 months

Terms subject to change without notice. An appointment with an Invest Newark Loan Officer is highly recommended prior to submitting a loan application.

Business Development Grants

Attendees in our Language of Capital program and Executive Business Accelerator program have the opportunity to compete for business development grants if they successfully complete the program. Three grants are offered for each program cohort and range from $1K-$3K in our Language of Capital program and $2.5K-$7.5K in our Executive Business Accelerator.