Funding Programs
Revolving Loan Fund
EDIF’s Revolving Loan Fund provides business loans to new and existing microentrepreneurs located in 11 counties in South Florida. The Fund manages $250,000 of lending capital through a USDA government program.* 
A microentrepreneur is an owner and operator of a business with not more than ten full-time employees.
Loans of 50,000 or less are available to startup and growing microenterprises, including agricultural producers that meet the definition of a microenterprise. The organization prioritizes funding of businesses or small farmers that may not qualify for traditional loans, as well as funding for entrepreneurs with creative and innovative ideas.
As a part of the program, borrowers can also apply for training and technical assistance to boost their development and ongoing success.
Areas Served: Citrus, Sumter, Hermando, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, Indian River, Glades, Hendry, DeSoto and Collier Counties.
*Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)
Loan Information
The EDIF promotes sustainable economic development and job creation projects. We support green businesses and encourage financing of renewable energy.
Borrowers can apply for loans of $50,000 and less for an array of business activities: purchase of equipment, fixtures, supplies, inventory, working capital, acquisition of a business or business assets and debt refinancing. Loans have a customized repayment structure determined by the use of the proceeds and the cash flow needs of the business.
Entrepreneurs can apply for funding by contacting EDIF via phone: (941) 359-5915 or via e-mail:
The Need for Microlending in South Florida
Microlending has emerged as one of the most promising avenues for stimulating economic development. Providing access to funding of $50,000 or less has shown to be an effective way to boost small companies in underserved areas in South Florida.
The EDIF aims to bring financial assistance to 11 counties. The organization will support projects that have been neglected by the mainstream banking industry because of their remote location or due to banks’ tightening credit standards.
The organization is taking a proactive approach to assist and encourage entrepreneurs to remain in their own local areas, rather than move to bigger cities. As microborrowers develop successful businesses, they will also grow and provide jobs to others in their communities.
