Food Resiliency Loan

The NCCU Food Resiliency Loan provides access to flexible, low-interest loans and business support services for small businesses who run restaurants or are a food business. Skagit Valley’s local food system depends on hundreds of small businesses that produce, process, distribute, market, and sell local food. These businesses – many owned by immigrants and people of color - were among the hardest hit by COVID-19 shutdowns. Some communities still do not have access to healthy, culturally relevant foods.

North Coast Credit Union (NCCU) and CIE are teaming up to make sure that loan capital is accessible to small and early-stage businesses, contributing to the resiliency of the local food system. With our loan guarantee, NCCU will waive its normal underwriting for unsecured working capital loans up to $5,000 for small and early-stage food businesses that would not otherwise qualify for credit.

Requirements

  • Have a business with fewer than 5 employees

  • Have been in business for at least one year

  • Have a written business plan showing how you will use and repay the loan

  • Own a restaurant or business that contributes to the local food system Must be located in Skagit Count

Uses of Funds

  • Payroll

  • Utilities & rent

  • Marketing & advertising

  • Building improvements or repairs

  • Other business expenses



Get loan ready with our NCCU food resiliency fund!

We are offering free one-on-one meetings in English and Spanish to help you to find out if your business is ready to apply for the NCCU Food Resiliency loan. Get step-by-step instructions on completing the application.