Business Growth & Access to Capital (BGAC) Loan Fund

A partnership between the Veteran Women's Enterprise Center (VWEC) and PeopleFund to support business growth and access to capital for women veteran and female military spouse entrepreneurs.

Fund Details

• Total Fund: $100,000
  • $20,000 grant from American First National Bank
  • $80,000 match from PeopleFund
• Loan Range: $2,500 - $10,000
• Interest Rate: Fixed 3%
• Maximum Loan Term: 12 months
• Collateral Required: None
• Minimum Credit Score: None

Eligibility Requirements

• VWEC Referral Required (mandatory)
• Must be a woman veteran and/or female military spouse entrepreneur
• Sole proprietorships and 1099s are eligible
• Must provide proof of honorable discharge from military service OR written explanation for other than honorable discharge OR currently serving
• Business must have been operating for more than 12 months (shorter periods must demonstrate viable growth via revenues and/or contractual relationships)
• Must show ability to repay based on underwriting guidelines
• No material derogatory items on credit or TLO reports (exception approvals considered on case-by-case basis with mitigating circumstances)

Benefits

• Increased access to low-interest rate loan options
• Increased business growth opportunities
• Affordable access to capital
• Economic development stimulus in the region

Application Process (3 Key Activities Required)

1. Connect with the Veteran Women's Enterprise Center
2. Complete VWEC's Mandatory Pre-Screening and Business Financial Training
3. Secure a Referral to submit a complete online BGAC Application

Contact Information

• Email: info@veteranwomensec.org
• Phone: 469-777-VWEC
• Physical Address: 5201 East R L Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75223
• Mailing Address: 7324 Gaston Avenue, Suite 124-432, Dallas, TX 75214

How to Apply

1. Connect with VWEC - Reach out to establish a relationship with the center
2. Complete Pre-Screening - Participate in VWEC's mandatory pre-screening process
3. Business Financial Training - Complete VWEC's business financial training
4. Secure Referral - Get a referral from VWEC to apply
5. Submit BGAC Application - Complete and submit the online BGAC application

Key Eligibility Activities

• Participate in all 3 key activities (Connect, Pre-Screening/Training, Referral)
• Demonstrate business viability and growth potential
• Provide complete financial documentation as part of underwriting