About AltCap

Founded in 2005 with a mission to stimulate economic activity and investment in economically-distressed communities, AltCap is a critical source of alternative financing for communities and entrepreneurs who fall outside the financial mainstream.

We are impact-driven and community-focused. To date, AltCap has deployed nearly $300 million in capital, financing small businesses and real estate development projects that were overlooked by traditional financial institutions.

The AltCap Ethos

We believe accessible capital creates stronger, more vibrant communities. We help make that a reality by empowering the success of underestimated entrepreneurs through flexible financing.

This short film offers a small taste of who we serve and why we do what we do.

History

AltCap was initially launched as a Community Development Entity, providing high-impact capital to job-creating businesses and catalytic real estate development projects.

In 2015, AltCap was certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the CDFI Fund of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This designation advanced our mission by providing additional resources to better support and advocate for the small businesses that drive the economic and community development in the communities we serve. 

The concept of CDFIs dates back to the 19th century with the creation of minority depository institutions and is rooted in the Civil Rights movements of the 1950s and ‘60s. For generations, CDFIs have helped marginalized communities access new opportunities and create economic agency for those harmed by segregation and institutional racism.

Inheriting this CDFI legacy, AltCap helps address the structural barriers that have prevented capital from flowing to communities and entrepreneurs that need it most. At AltCap, we recognize that there is still vital work needed in building a more equitable and inclusive economy and as our service area expands, our work will always be rooted in empowering entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities.

This history and our present reality are guiding forces in our work to create fair access to capital for low-income communities, people of color, women, and other marginalized populations.

WHY WE DO IT

We believe that fair access to capital strengthens communities and creates a more inclusive economy. We are committed to delivering accessible, patient financing to support job-creating small businesses and catalytic real estate development projects. 

WHAT WE DO

We increase the flow of capital to underinvested communities through alternative financing products, entrepreneur-focused programming, and strategic partnerships that promote inclusive and equitable economic growth.

OUR FAMILY

AltCap’s family of organizations support the communities we serve. The Community Capital Fund provides grants to neighborhoods and businesses. equity2 is an impact investment firm that deploys equity capital in communities that lack financial infrastructure and institutional capital.

  • NEWS

    NEWS

    There’s a lot happening at AltCap. Stay up to date on our financing products, programs, partnerships and announcements through our newsletter.

    READ MORE
  • TEAM

    TEAM

    We are passionate change-makers with diverse experiences and backgrounds. We work together to help communities and small businesses thrive.

    Meet the team
  • JOIN US

    JOIN US

    We’re investing in local business owners today to build a vibrant economy for generations to come. Learn how you can work, partner, and invest in AltCap.

    Join us
  • IMPACT

    IMPACT

    We’re focused on elevating the communities and small business owners we serve. Learn how accessible capital makes a difference in our world.

    Make change

PARTNERS, FUNDERS, AND AFFILIATIONS

Kansas City CDFI Coalition

Frequently Asked Questions

  • As a mission-driven Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), AltCap can often overcome traditional lending constraints. Challenges like previous denials, credit scores, bankruptcy, and limited collateral, may be overcome by other positive aspects of your business, like community impact, additional guarantors, or other sources of revenue. We’ll work to understand your needs and create solutions to help you grow your business.


  • Yes. We lend capital to small businesses regardless of their industry, size, or stage of growth. Owners of startups will be asked to provide a business plan, financial projections, and other documentation in lieu of historical financial statements.

  • No, AltCap does not offer depository services or consumer banking products, but we have other local CDFI and banking partners who can serve your unique needs. Visit the KC CDFI Coalition or speak to your Business Development Officer to learn more. 


  • AltCap and its affiliate, AltCap California, serve entrepreneurs in California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Texas.

  • Yes. We understand that your business has unique needs and while you work hard to be resourceful, challenges can arise. We will accept applications from businesses with up to two active loans and at least six months of payment history. Our team will work with you to assess your ability to take on new debt and what collateral may be available to support your needs.

  • AltCap can provide entrepreneurs $5,000 to $250,000 in debt capital to launch, operate or grow their small businesses. Proceeds may be used to fund equipment, marketing, payroll, services, capital expenses, and more. The amount you can borrow will depend on your capital needs and your ability to cover the debt service. 

  • Collateral is not always required of our borrowers but providing collateral may help you access better loan terms. Discuss your collateral options with your Business Development Officer. UCC’s are required for all business loans.

  • No. AltCap does not require a minimum credit score for most products. We work with you to understand the circumstances of your credit and evaluate it alongside your financials, management abilities, and growth potential.

  • Our goal is to provide capital in a timely manner.  On average, an AltCap loan can take 30-45 days from application submission to credit decision to complete. Questions or challenges may arise as we review your documents, and it is critical that you provide a timely response to keep the analysis and underwriting process moving.

  • In addition to accessible capital, AltCap provides other business support and services to our clients. We also collaborate with other lenders and business advisors to provide you with the support you need to start, grow, and sustain your business. Talk to your Business Development Officer about your options and visit our affiliate organizations, equity2 and Community Capital Fund.

  • Go to www.altcap.org/contact to connect with us.