Providing Access To Capital is essential to the operations and success of our Membership. Since 2020, OAME has provided loans from five loan funds for a total of $15.8 million in loans!
The Average Loan is $10,700.
The breakdown of OAME loans is as follows:
- 40% — Minority Women-Owned Businesses
- 35% — Minority Men-Owned Businesses
- 13% — Non-Minority Women-Owned Businesses
- 12% — Non-Minority Men-Owned Businesses
OAME has two ways in which to provide Access to Capital
Microloan Program
Direct financing using OAME’s microloan program (to qualifying small businesses).
Jump to Microloan Program info.
Assisting With Outside Financing
Assisting small businesses to target and present loan packages to outside financing sources (traditional banks, public agencies, or investors).
OAMECC Loan Parameters
OAME’s subsidiary company, the “Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs Credit Corporation” (OAMECC) incorporates creative initiatives to aid firms in identifying appropriate sources of requisite financing. It is the purpose of OAMECC to help minority small businesses to overcome the specific problems that limit their success and growth through technical assistance and access to needed capital.
Types of OAMECC Loans:
- Accounts Receivable Loan – A/R loans are ideal if the borrower is waiting for a payment from his /her client. Example: a business owner is waiting for his client to pay him $10,000 for work already completed and needs working capital before payment is set to arrive. OAMECC can provide a loan up to 80% of the invoice value.
- Term Loan – Term loans are based on a specific amount with a specific repayment schedule. Example: a 4 year, $20,000 loan with a 5% interest rate and payments set at $461 per month. Term loans require a complete application package and collateral. Every term loan must be approved by OAME’s Loan Committee.
Eligibility guidelines for both types of loans
- Business must be located in the State of Oregon and SW Washington**
- Business is ineligible for traditional bank financing
- Business is not a startup operation / minimum of 6 to 12 months in business
- Business must be a for-profit enterprise
- Business must attend an OAME Access to Capital Orientation (If you are located outside of the Portland area, please contact the OAME office)
Loan Uses
- Working capital, payroll, equipment, leasehold improvements, etc.
- Loans will not be considered for purchasing real estate or for the sole purpose of debt re-payment or refinance
Parameters for Accounts Receivable Loans
- Up to 80 % of your Accounts Receivable Invoice
- $500-$50,000 limit
- Annual interest rate of 5%
- Must agree to work with an approved OAME business counselor or approved partner
Parameters for Term Loans
- Must have 20% owner equity contribution
- $500-$50,000 limit
- Annual interest rate of 5%
- Must have collateral and personal guarantees
- Must agree to work with an approved OAME business counselor or approved partner
Application Process
- Obtain pre-loan and loan application information from OAME at the Access to Capital Orientation. (If you are located outside of the Portland area, please contact the OAME office)
- Make certain you have provided all the required information as outlined on the application check list
- If you need assistance completing your business plan, you may wish to contact: Service Corp Retired Executives (SCORE), Portland State Business Outreach, or the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located at your nearest community college.
**If your business is located in Clark County (SW Washington), please provide proof of address and documentation extra documentation such as: Washington business registration, license, bond, certification, etc.
Microloan Program: Businesses OAME has Worked With:
- Painting Contractor
- Traffic Flagging
- Plumbing & Mechanical
- Landscaping
- Material Testing
- Concrete Construction
- Aggregate Contractor
- Charter Bus Company
- Bike Shop
- Auto Detailing
- Industrial Supply
- Janitorial Company
- Countertop Manufacturer
- Property Maintenance
- Food Cart
- Coffee Shop
- Newsletter Publisher
- Web Design
- Security Service
- Environmental Consulting
- Staffing Company
- Asian Food Distributor
- Therapists
- Engineering Company
| LOAN TYPE | LOAN INFO |
| A. A/R LOAN BRIDGE LOAN GAP LOAN | Amount: $500 – $50,000 Term: 2 – 4 months Annual Rate: 5% (fee 2%, $50 minimum) Requirements: Invoice, Joint Check Payment Agreement |
| B. TERM LOANS | Amount: $500 – $50,000 Term: 12 – 36 months Annual Rate: 5% (fee 2%, $50 minimum) Requirements: 2 years Tax Returns, Business Plan, Current Financial Statements, Financial Projections, Loan Application |
| BORROWERS MUST: | Receive Technical Assistance, Business Consulting Counseling should be led to become bankable |
Everybody’s In, Nobody’s Out!
Stay Ready To Be Ready.
If you are in business and not making money, you are going out of business.
Sam Brooks, OAME Founder
Access to Capital and Business Development Info Session/Orientation
Offered Monthly 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 10:00 – 11:00 AM
This meeting is a great way to learn about OAME and our services and resources geared toward business advancement and growth. OAME’s Micro Loan Programs and our requirements for loans will be discussed.
This event is free and open to the public. Currently offered via Zoom, virtually.
OAME is a certified Micro Lender for the Small Business Administration and offers Technical Support to disadvantaged businesses through Business Oregon.