ThriveOn Small Business Loans

Accessible business loans

Our community thrives when small businesses thrive.

Small businesses are vital to the fabric of a thriving community. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is mobilizing another round of affordable loans to Milwaukee neighborhoods, with preference for disadvantaged businesses facing economic challenges due to rising costs and limited access to capital.

2026 ThriveOn Small Business Loans Terms

To Qualify

  • Two years of business operations 
  • Two + years management with Industry experience 
  • Physical space in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, or Waukesha counties 
  • Business is a Socially and Economically-Disadvantage Business (SEDI) as defined by U.S. Treasury Department
  • No real-estate investments or returning businesses from previous rounds
  • Prohibited businesses: alcohol, tobacco, CBD, gambling, sex-related, and weapons related industries

Loan Details

  • Loan Range: maximum loan amount - $50,000 (approval based on repayment capacity)

  • 3% fixed interest, 7-yr fully amortizing term

  • No prepayment penalty or fees

  • 6 months interest only. Monthly principal and interest payment thereafter 

Requirements

  • Full repayment required
  • Monthly business coaching sessions

  • Action plan finalized prior to any loan disbursement.

  • All required documentation must be submitted with application request.

  • Application and Personal Financial Statement must be filled out completely.

Use of Proceeds

  • Working capital, equipment and supplies purchase, debt finance, building improvements, payroll assistance, and business-related transportation vehicle

Timeline

Application opens July 6, 2026

Application closes July 20, 2026

 

Information sessions

Join us for a free virtual informational session! to learn about our ThriveOn Small Business Loan program, who qualifies and how to apply.

Friday, July 10 at 9 a.m.

Thursday, July 16 at 10 a.m.

R.S.V.P. to Sonia Robinson to receive login information.

 

How to apply

1Download and Complete the Required Forms

Download and complete both of the following forms:

ThriveOn Small Business Loan Application Stand-Alone Personal Financial Statement

How to Download the Forms

  • Right-click each application button and select "Save Link As" to download the PDF to your device.
  • Or, click the button to open the PDF in your browser, then choose "Save As" (or use the download icon) to save it locally.
  • Open the saved file and complete it at your own pace.
  • Save the completed forms to your device before submitting.

2Gather Your Supporting Documents

Organizational Documents

Submit copies of the following, if applicable:

  • Articles of Organization or Incorporation
  • Operating Agreement
  • Form SS-4 listing your Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Personal Financial Information

For each owner with a 20% or greater ownership interest, submit:

  • Personal tax returns for 2024 and 2025
  • Completed Personal Financial Statement
    Married couples who jointly own the business may submit one Personal Financial Statement together.
  • Copy of a valid Wisconsin government-issued photo ID (driver's license or similar identification)

Business Financial Information

  • Business tax returns for 2024 and 2025, if filed separately from the owners' personal tax returns
  • Company-prepared Profit & Loss Statement and Balance Sheet year-to-date through May 31, 2026

3Submit Your Application

Important: Your application will only be considered if you submit both the ThriveOn Small Business Loan Application and the Stand-Alone Personal Financial Statement, along with all required supporting documents.