Affordable Business Loans for minority-owned businesses. African American business loans SBA, Commercial Real Estate, Working Capital

Safe and Affordable Financing for
Minority-Owned Businesses
$20,000 to $5,00,000

LEEF provides non-predatory business loans through its partnerships with over 30 lenders, private funds, (CDFI)’s, banks, credit unions, and non-profits. LEEF is minority-owned and we have experience working with entrepreneurs from the African-American, Latino, women, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, veteran, and other communities that have been historically excluded from traditional financing. We adhere to the Small Business Borrowers’ Bill of Rights and we provide free business advising and loan application assistance. We look forward to helping you grow your business.

Committed to Minority-Business Owners

LEEF was founded in 2002 as an informal group of volunteers from Abyssinian Baptist Church. In 2025, LEEF became a mission-driven for-profit entity to continue our work helping diverse entrepreneurs achieve business success. We support businesses from all walks of life; whether you are a startup needing capital to launch your or an established business ready to expand. We are here to help you succeed and have a positive impact on our community.

Non-Predatory Financing Between 7% and 12.5%

Why Our Process is Different

We're here to simplify the loan process and have lenders compete for your business.

We start by listening to you to understand your business and your financing goals.

Position You for Success: We analyze your business to figure out the best way to present your loan needs to lenders, highlighting your strengths

Handling the Paperwork: We prepare professional loan packages that give lenders everything they need, making it easier for them to say "yes."

Guiding You Through the Maze: The loan application process has many steps. We guide you through each one, managing deadlines and requirements so you don't get lost in the complexity

Finding You The Best Deal: Instead of you chasing multiple banks, we act as your single point of contact, managing communication and keeping things moving forward

Translate the Fine Print: Loan offers can be confusing. We break down the terms and conditions of different offers into plain English, helping you compare apples-to-apples and make confident decisions

Manage the Closing Process: We coordinate with all the necessary third parties – like appraisers, title companies, and attorneys – to ensure everything comes together for a smooth and timely loan closing.

We do things differently. We’re here to support you and provide you with business loan options that are safe, affordable at the right rate and terms that will help you grow your business

You are more than just a credit score.

94%

Base on loan size

Approval Rate

We work with you through the application process.

Affordable Business Loans

Expand your Business

Buy Real Estate

Start a Business

Hire Employees

Buy a Business

Buy Equipment

Purchase Inventory

Pay Off a Loan

Increase Marketing

Cover Payroll

Make Lease Payments

Customized Loan Sizes

Flexible Term Lengths

Affordable Rates

Deal Real People Here to Help

You are not just a number or an application. We genuinely want to see your business succeed.

Amazon Black Business Accelerator

LEEF has helped minority-owned businesses obtain the resources to participate in Amazon's Black Business Accelerator for sellers. It provides thousands of entrepreneurs with education, financial support, and mentorship opportunities that have help them connect with more customers and build their brands.

We would like thank many of the supplier diversity programs at some of America's biggest companies that continue their commitment to partnering with minority-owned businesses.