NASHVILLE SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY FUND
FUNDING FOR Davidson County Small BusinessES
LOAN APPLICATIONS OPEN
No deadline to apply -- open while funds are available:
Pathway Lending serves as the administrator for the Nashville Small Business Recovery Fund in Davidson County, Tennessee. Use the instructions detailed here to get acquainted with the loan program and requirements for submitting a complete application.
[Updated 7/31/22] - On July 31 applications closed for grants from the Nashville Small Business Recovery Fund.
By August 15, all awards were fully funded with $2.5 million going to North Nashville zip codes, $3 million going to distressed Metro areas and $3.5 million committed Metro wide following Metro Council guidance. Over 450 small businesses received funding!
[Updated 6/9/2022]- Metro Council approved $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the federal government to establish the Nashville Small Business Recovery Fund in the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Community Development (RS2022-1356, RS2021-1303).
The funding will support Nashville and Davidson County small businesses’ recovery from the pandemic’s impacts and will bolster economic development in Nashville communities recovering from the pandemic and prior economic challenges.
Council directed $18 million for Davidson County small businesses impacted by COVID with half ($9 million) going to grants small businesses will not have to repay and half ($9 million) going to low-interest loans recipients will repay at affordable, below-market rates and terms that facilitate ease of repayment.
A portion of these funds will cover costs associated with administering the programs.
Mayor John Cooper’s Office of Economic Development engaged Pathway Lending to administer the program in accordance with the Council resolution. Pathway Lending will distribute the funds, build the online grant application portal, and put in place the teams, processes and policies needed to run the program.
The Mayor’s Office has also engaged a group of 10 nonprofits that Metro Council approved April 19 along with the allocation of $2 million to disburse across the organizations based on the scale and scope of each nonprofit’s work.
The approved nonprofits include Conexión Américas, Corner to Corner, Equity Alliance, Jefferson St. United Merchants Partnership (JUMP), Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Nashville Business Incubation Center, and Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce.
FIRST STEP TO FUNDING? SIGN UP NOW FOR AN INFO SESSION
We're here to give your small business and all of those we serve the best chance to benefit from this funding program!
We’re holding information sessions to give applicants the information they need to prepare a successful loan application. We’ll offer guidance and connect you with support for preparing your application.
NSBRF LOAN FUNDING
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
For the best and quickest application experience, applicants should gather or prepare several documents prior to beginning a loan inquiry.
Need help? Community partners can assist!
START LOAN INQUIRY
LOAN FAQs
We will periodically update, clarify or expand the following Frequently Asked Questions on details of the Nashville Small Business Recovery Fund loan program throughout the application period. Please be sure to check back regularly for the most recent information.
LOAN ELIGIBILITY
LOAN ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible to apply for a loan with the NSBRF program, a small business or microbusiness applicant must meet the following criteria:Has not received a grant from the Nashville Small Business Recovery Fund;
Currently active and open for business and must be able to show proof of operations in Nashville/Davidson County prior to 9/30/19;
Has a physical location and postal address in Davidson County (does not have to be its principal location);
Employs no more than 50 full-time employees at a time (those working 35+ hours per week; employees, not hires) between 3/1/20 and 3/31/22;
Has valid registration with State of Tennessee or with Davidson County prior to approval;
Be a for-profit entity with gross annual revenues no less than $10,000 and that do not exceed $1,000,000;
Follows all federal, state, and local regulations;
Operates locally with independent local owners or majority local ownership (not less than 51%); excludes businesses of a chain headquartered outside Davidson County;
Has a minimum credit score of 600 – credit scores less than 600 will not be considered as a matter of keeping consistent policy; and
Can provide tax returns for calendar years 2021 and 2020, a personal financial statement for the loan applicant, and a debt schedule for the business
DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED
Applicants must submit documentation showing proof of business existence on or before 9/30/19 and business revenue for the fiscal years ending on/before 12/31/20 and 12/31/21.For the best and quickest application experience, applicants should gather or prepare the following documents prior to beginning a loan application:
2020 and 2021 tax returns (1040 Schedule C or federal small business tax return forms 1120 or 1065)
Personal financial statement listing all personal assets and liabilities for the individual applying for the business loan
Completed Loan Inquiry Form on Pathway website
Completed online Loan Application (link from Pathway Lending loan officer), including uploading a debt schedule for the business
Upon approval:
Unexpired government-issued identification with residential address and photograph, such as a driver license or passport, for each signer and guarantor
Voided check or full statement and wiring instructions for bank account in the name of the business
At closing:
Davidson County business license
Or State of Tennessee Certificate of Existence
Executed Organizational Documents (Operating Agreement, Bylaws, Partnership Agreements) to include name of the Borrowing Entity, names of Officers/Members or Partners and any signing/pledging requirements)
IS MY BUSINESS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A LOAN?
To be eligible to apply for a loan with the NSBRF program, a small business or microbusiness applicant must meet the following criteria:-Has not received a grant from the Nashville Small Business Recovery Fund;
-Currently active and open for business and must be able to show proof of operations in Nashville/Davidson County prior to 9/30/19;
-Has a physical location and postal address in Davidson County (does not have to be its principal location);
-Employs no more than 50 full-time employees at a time (those working 35+ hours per week; employees, not hires) between 3/1/20 and 3/31/22;
-Has valid registration with State of Tennessee and with Davidson County prior to approval;
-Be a for-profit entity with gross annual revenues no less than $10,000 and that do not exceed $1,000,000;
-Follows all federal, state, and local regulations;
-Operates locally with independent local owners or majority local ownership; excludes businesses of a chain headquartered outside Davidson County;
-Has a minimum credit score of 600 – credit scores less than 600 will not be considered as a matter of keeping consistent policy; and
-Can provide tax returns for calendar years 2021 and 2020, a personal financial statement for the loan applicant, and a debt schedule for the business.
The following businesses are not eligible to receive a loan under this program:
-Businesses with gross annual revenues more than $1,000,000 for 2021
-All non-profits, churches, and other religious institutions
-Businesses primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities
-Landlords and passive real estate businesses, including AirBnB and vacation rentals
-Illegal businesses or enterprises
-Adult entertainment businesses
-Cannabis-based businesses, tobacco shops and bars or liquor stores
-Other industry or business types Metro determines should be excluded upon application review
HOW MUCH LOAN FUNDING AM I ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE?
A business may borrow up to 20% of 2021 gross receipts:Maximum Loan Amount 2021 Gross Receipts
$2,000 - $10,000 $25,000- $50,000
$10,001 - $20,000 $50,000- $100,000
$20,000 - $70,000 $100,001- $349,999
$70,000 - $200,000 $350,000- $1,000,000
Loan amounts will be based on a business’s 2021 annual revenue and other measures of its ability to make monthly loan payments and to repay the loan, including credit score.
HOW DO I SHOW PROOF OF EXISTENCE FOR MY BUSINESS?
Applicants must show proof of operations in Nashville/Davidson County prior to 9/30/19 and furnish supporting documents that include State or Federal tax return for 2021, or business license, or Secretary of State Certificate of Existence.HOW DO I DOCUMENT MY BUSINESS'S 2021 REVENUE?
To show 2021 revenue, applicants must submit fiscal year 2021 tax returns such as 1040 Schedule C or federal small business tax return forms 1120 or 1065.IF I RECEIVED A PPP, EIDL OR CARES LOAN CAN MY BUSINESS STILL APPLY FOR A LOAN?
Yes.CAN MY BUSINESS GET BOTH A GRANT AND A LOAN THROUGH NSBRF?
No, not at this time.HOW OLD DOES MY BUSINESS HAVE TO BE TO QUALIFY?
Applicants must show proof of operations in Nashville/Davidson County prior to 9/30/19.IF I AM A LOCAL FRANCHISER WILL MY BUSINESS QUALIFY?
Yes, as long as the franchise is independently- or majority-owned and operated locally. Businesses that belong to a chain headquartered outside Davidson County do not qualify.WILL THERE BE CONSIDERATION FOR WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESSES?
Metro Nashville designed the grant program to assign priority by zip code and Census tract to North Nashville and distressed areas in Metro Nashville.IF YOU HAVE SATELLITE LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT NASHVILLE, BUT DON’T OWN THE LOCATION(S), WOULD THIS QUALIFY AS A NASHVILLE PRIMARY LOCATION? FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU ARE RENTING FROM ANOTHER LOCATION IN NASHVILLE, COULD YOU USE THAT LOCATION?
Ownership of a location is NOT required. Operations conducted from a rental location in Davidson County meet the eligibility criteria.DOES THE APPLICANT HAVE TO RESIDE IN NASHVILLE OR DOES THE ORGANIZATION JUST HAVE TO PRIMARILY BE BASED IN NASHVILLE?
The organization needs to be based in Davidson County. The applicant as an individual owner is not required to live in Davidson County.WE HAVE A NONPROFIT THAT HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE SINCE 2013 BUT OUR LLC WHICH IS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE NONPROFIT WAS ONLY RECENTLY ESTABLISHED. WOULD WE STILL BE ABLE TO QUALIFY?
Non profits are NOT eligible. The “for profit” would need to have it’s own Tax ID and meet all other eligible criteria for the program (including start date, revenue requirements, location and employment levels).ARE EXISTING GRANTS AND/ OR LOANS COUNTED AS REVENUE? FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU RECEIVED AN SBA LOAN, DO YOU COUNT IT AS REVENUE TOWARD YOUR MAXIMUM GRANT AMOUNT?
No, loans and/or grants do not count as revenue. We are looking for income generated from the sale of good and/or services.DO BUSINESS BANK STATEMENTS COUNT AS DOCUMENTS FOR THE REVENUE FOR 2021 (INSTEAD OF CASH APP, VENMO, AND OTHER STATEMENTS)?
Bank statements and other documentation may be requested to demonstrate 2021 revenue. You must provide your 2021 tax return.CPA FIRMS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE A DAVIDSON COUNTY BUSINESS LICENSE WE ARE PROFESSIONALLY LICENSED. SO, WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO UPLOAD? OUR CPA RENEWAL CERTIFICATE?
Yes, upload the CPA renewal certificate. If you are registered with the Secretary of State’s office, please upload a copy of that too.As we review these applications, we may have further questions and/or clarifications, but for the initial application we can proceed with the items above.
I CHANGED THE NAME OF MY BUSINESS IN OCTOBER OF 2019, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED?
If the Tax-ID associated with your business remains the same and you did not register a new DBA (Doing Business As), you should upload documentation to show the change of your business name and that the business was generating revenue as of 9/30/2019.CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT INFORMATION SESSIONS?
Information Sessions are not required, but we strongly encouraging attending or watching one as it’s the best way to make sure you complete your application correctly the first time. You may access the recorded English or Spanish Information Session, or sign up for an in-person or virtual date.LOAN BASICS
WHAT ARE THE RATES AND TERMS?
Under the NSBRF program, a small business or microbusiness borrower will pay a fixed rate of 2% interest on the loan amount and will repay the loan in monthly payments over a period (term) of 5 years (60 months). For a $10,000 loan that means the borrower will make 60 monthly payments of $175.28WHAT ARE THE CLOSING COSTS?
When borrowers close on the loan – the time when they formally agree to borrow and repay the loan at the agreed-upon time and amount and sign related documents – they will pay a flat fee that is a minimum of $350 or 1.5% of the loan amount. The fee covers the costs related to closing (e.g. fees related to reviewing and filing documents). If the borrower elects, Pathway Lending will draw the fee from the loan amount before sending the remaining funds to the business. For a $10,000 loan, the borrower will pay $350 on closing day and see $9,650 in remaining loan funds, and for a $200,000 loan, the borrower will pay $3,000 on closing day and see $197,000 in remaining loan funds. Or, the borrower can receive the full loan amount and cover the closing costs on closing day via ACH wire transfer.WHAT ARE SOME WAYS I CAN USE LOAN FUNDS?
We encourage prospective applicants with a financing or growth opportunity to carefully consider if the loan option may be right for their businesses. Borrowers can use NSBRF loans to purchase equipment or to fund working capital such as purchasing inventory, upgrading technology, etc. Lines of credit are not available with this program.HOW CAN I MAKE SURE I CAN MAKE MY MONTHLY LOAN PAYMENTS?
Borrowers should generate at least enough monthly cash flow to cover their monthly loan payments. Ideally, borrowers will generate cash flow above that and have cash reserves as well. We recommend borrowers estimate the monthly payments for the loan amount they plan to request. Borrowers can request up to 20% of annual revenue at 2% fixed interest over a 5-year period.Borrowers who need help with this calculation may choose to look for a widely available, free online business loan calculator. Or they may seek help from a nonprofit technical assistance partner contracted by Metro – these partners are listed on the program information website at pathwaylending.org.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A BUSINESS DOESN'T QUALIFY FOR THE FULL AMOUNT OF THE LOAN IT REQUESTED?
A business that doesn’t qualify for the loan amount it requests may qualify for a lesser loan amount.WHAT ARE SOME REASONS WHY A BUSINESS MAY NOT QUALIFY FOR A LOAN FROM THIS PROGRAM?
Businesses that don’t meet basic program eligibility criteria listed above may not qualify for a loan from this program, including time in business, credit score, or ability to provide required documents.HOW CAN LOAN APPLICANTS FIND OUT WHAT THEIR CREDIT SCORES ARE?
A number of online resources offer free credit reports such as annualcreditreport.com. For this program, your credit report will be pulled from Equifax.HOW DO I DECIDE IF A GRANT OR A LOAN FROM THIS PROGRAM IS BETTER FOR MY BUSINESS?
We recommend businesses make this determination based on how much funding they need to for their businesses, i.e. what funding amount would help their businesses stay or get back on track.The grant and loan programs differ on the maximum amount a business can request and the repayment requirement. A business’s annual revenue determines the maximum grant award or maximum loan amount it can request. Whereas grants require no repayment, the loans offer higher maximum funding amounts the business must repay at 2% fixed interest.
In making the grant-vs-loan decision, we offer the following guidance:
First consider if the business’s 2021 gross receipts exceed $25,000. If not, the grant program might be an option since the loan amount the business would qualify to borrow would be less than or equal to the lowest max grant award of $5,000.
Next, consider if the business can supply two years of tax returns and if the applicant has a credit score of 600 or better since these are additional eligibility requirements for the loan program.
Finally, determine if the business’s eligible expenses for March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022 total more than the maximum grant amount that corresponds to the business’s revenue range; consider if the business has a growth opportunity or financing need; and estimate if the business will generate enough cash to cover a monthly loan payment.
I'VE NEVER BORROWED A LOAN FOR MY BUSINESS BEFORE. WHAT SHOULD I KEEP IN MIND?
Borrowing funds can offer a growing small business significant benefits, from smoothing cashflow or enabling equipment purchase that add capacity to investing in real estate or adding technology to streamline operations.With those benefits borrowers should expect monthly loan payments and other costs, and the loan application process will require becoming familiar with the financial aspects or your business as well as why and how the business can use a loan.
Knowing why you want a loan and how you’re going to spend it will help you determine if the monthly payment and loan costs are worth it to the business.
We recommend first-time borrowers start by reading the other FAQs and eligibility requirements in this section and checking their credit scores. We also recommend estimating the monthly payment, total interest and total loan cost at 2% fixed interest for 5 years with the higher of $350 or 1.5% of the loan amount due at closing. You’ll see specific amounts for the example of a $10,000 loan above.
We also recommend borrowers estimate how much they’ll need, by compiling estimates for example, and determine how much they can afford. Attending an Information Session will show applicants a brief tutorial and template that show how to project the impact of monthly loan payments on cash flow and revenue.
Finally, prospective borrowers can connect with a nonprofit technical assistance partner contracted by Metro by visiting the program information website at pathwaylending.org/Nashville. They can also read profiles describing how other small businesses have used loans from Pathway Lending at pathwaylending.org.
IF A CURRENT CLIENT NEEDS ASSISTANCE WITH UNDERSTANDING FINANCIALS FOR THIS PROGRAM, WHERE SHOULD THEY GO?
For existing clients and relationships (whether active or former) and all applicants – you need to go to an info session and contact a partner and/or his professional tax advisor (third party).AM I REQUIRED TO SHOW PROOF OF INSURANCE FOR A LOAN TO FUND REAL ESTATE OR EQUIPMENT?
Yes, if loan proceeds are utilized to purchase real estate or equipment, the borrower must supply evidence of insurance coverage – General Liability, Business Personal Property and/or Building Coverage – that names Pathway Lending as additional insured, loss payee and or mortgagee.SUBMITTING YOUR LOAN APPLICATION
HOW DO I APPLY?
We strongly encourage applicants to take the following steps to prepare before visiting the program website:1. Attend an information session online or in person, offered in English or in Spanish. Find and sign up for a session at pathwaylending.org/nashville;
2. Decide if you want to apply for a grant or a loan;
3. Gather required documents and business information; and
4. If you haven’t already, register your business with the Davidson County Clerk and the Secretary of State.
If you have decided to apply for a loan, visit www.pathwaylending.org/nashville and look under Loan Program for a link to the loan inquiry form under “Get Started.” You will navigate to another page on the website and complete the Loan Inquiry Form. Once the form is completed, you will receive an email from your assigned loan officer outlining next steps and a link to complete your loan application form.
Applicants who need access to a computer or Internet may apply from a workstation at Pathway Lending (201 Venture Circle 37228) during business hours (M-F, 9A-5P) or can schedule an appointment by calling (615) 425-7171 or emailing Nashville@Pathwaylending.org.
DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION MYSELF? OR CAN SOMEONE HELP ME COMPLETE IT OR COMPLETE IT ON MY BEHALF?
We encourage applicants to complete the application on their own.Applicants who are unable to do so or who need translation services may seek help from a nonprofit technical assistance partner contracted by Metro – these partners are listed on the program information website at pathwaylending.org/nashville.
Applicants who request technical assistance providers complete the loan inquiry and application on their behalf must complete and sign third party application form.
Applicants who need access to a computer or Internet may apply from a workstation at Pathway Lending (201 Venture Circle 37228) during business hours (M-F, 9A-5P) or by appointment.
We can only accept digital applications submitted through the online loan inquiry and application forms and will not be able to accept paper applications nor supporting documentation.
WILL IDENTIFICATION BE REQUIRED FOR A LOAN?
Yes. In order to receive funding, awardees must provide unexpired government-issued identification with residential address and photograph such as a driver license or passport after approval and prior to closing as required by regulations.DOES MY APPLICATION GUARANTEE I WILL RECEIVE A LOAN?
No. The loan application is only the first step in a detailed and thorough underwriting process that determines if Pathway Lending will extend a loan and for how much. Some borrowers may qualify for loan amounts less than they request and may receive an offer from Pathway Lending for the lesser amount while others may be declined. Pathway Lending is committed to continue working with applicants whose loan requests are declined to develop and grow their business and access capital.WHAT IF I MAKE AN EROR ON MY APPLICATION? CAN I MAKE CHANGES?
A lender will be in close contact with applicants while they complete their loan applications, and applicants can make changes at any point until they click ‘submit’ by logging into the loan application portal using the credentials they create. Once the applicant clicks ‘submit,’ Pathway locks the application for underwriting but confirms it’s ready before then.IF MY LOAN APPLICATION WAS DECLINED, CAN I SUMBIT A NEW APPLICATION?
Any business can apply for a loan with Pathway Lending at any time with complete and accurate information. Some borrowers may qualify for loan amounts less than they request and may receive an offer from Pathway Lending for the lesser amount while others may be declined. Pathway Lending is committed to continue working with applicants whose loan requests are declined to develop and grow their business and access capital.ARE YOU ALL LOOKING AT THE FISCAL YEAR REVENUE OR CALENDAR YEAR REVENUE?
For purposes of this NSBRF Grant and Loan program, we prefer CY2021 revenue; however, if your organization operates on a FY ending some time other than 12/31/2021, please provide your tax return for 2021 for consideration. During the review process we may ask for additional documentation such as Interim Financial Statements.LOAN FUNDS
IS FUNDING AVAILABLE BEYOND DAVIDSON COUNTY?
At this time, the Nashville Small Business Recovery Fund is only available in Davidson County.HOW WILL LOANS BE DISBURSED?
Pathway Lending will wire loan funds (less the closing fee of the higher of $350 or 1.5% of the loan amount, if elected) to the appropriate account in the name of the business using the wiring instructions the borrow provides at closing business checking account.HOW MUCH LOAN FUNDING CAN I REQUEST?
A business may borrow up to 20% of 2021 gross receipts:Maximum Loan Amount 2021 Gross Receipts
$2,000 - $10,000 $25,000- $50,000
$10,001 - $20,000 $50,001- $100,000
$20,000 - $70,000 $100,001- $349,999
$70,000 - $200,000 $350,000- $1,000,000
Loan amounts will be based on a business’s 2021 annual revenue and other measures of its ability to make monthly loan payments and to repay the loan, including credit score.
CAN I APPLY FOR A NEW LOAN WITH THIS PROGRAM AND USE THE FUNDS TO PAY OFF MY CURRENT DEBT?
All Davidson County small businesses that meet eligibility criteria for the loan program or the grant program may apply for funds with the program for which they qualify. Eligible businesses may not receive funding from both the loan and the grant programs.Eligible businesses that apply for a loan may use the funds for purposes outlined above, including to purchase equipment and fund working capital. It is the intent of the program to connect area businesses with capital they can use to pursue opportunities to grow their businesses, not to refinance debt.
CAN MY BUSINESS REFINANCE AN EXISTING LOAN WITH PATHWAY LENDING THROUGH THIS PROGRAM?
Eligible businesses that apply for a loan may use the funds for purposes outlined above, including to purchase equipment and fund working capital. It is the intent of the program to connect area businesses with capital they can use to pursue opportunities to grow their businesses, not to refinance debt.CAN I CONSOLIDATE OR REFINANCE DEBT WITH A NSBRF LOAN?
Eligible businesses that apply for a loan may use the funds for purposes outlined above, including to purchase equipment and fund working capital. It is the intent of the program to connect area businesses with capital they can use to pursue opportunities to grow their businesses, not to refinance debt.WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GRANT AND LOAN PROGRAMS?
The loan program specifies additional eligibility requirements:the business owner must have a minimum credit score of 600;
must supply tax returns for calendar years 2021 and 2020, a personal financial statement for the loan applicant, and a debt schedule for the business; and
business must demonstrate it does or can generate sufficient cash flow to cover monthly loan payments.
All loans made under this program require a personal guaranty by anyone that owns 20% or more of the business.
HOW LONG WILL PATHWAY LENDING OFFER NSBRF LOANS? WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PATHWAY LENDING HAS EXHAUSTED THE $9 MILLION ALLOCATION FOR THE LOAN PROGRAM?
Pathway Lending will offer NSBRF loans to eligible Davidson County small business borrowers until it has fully committed the $9 million for the loan program inclusive of loan funds and costs to administer the program. Once funds have been deployed, Pathway Lending will continue to make credit facilities available to small businesses in Davidson County. Rates and terms may vary.ONCE PATHWAY APPROVES A NSBRF LOAN, WHEN WILL THE BUSINESS OWNER RECEIVE THE FUNDS?
Approved borrowers can expect a period of 10 to 14 business days to close and fund loans, provided they have furnished all requested and required documentation to Pathway Lending.WHAT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CAN BORROWERS SEEK FOR HELP WITH THEIR LOAN APPLICATION?
Pathway Lending will offer Information Sessions, available online and in person in English or Spanish, prior to the opening of applications and throughout the application process. These sessions will introduce prospective borrowers to the loan application process and guidance to decide if a loan is right for their businesses, including a brief tutorial and template that show how to project the impact of monthly loan payments on cash flow and revenue.Applicants will also be able to access a range of technical assistance from nonprofit partners Metro has contracted to support the rollout of the Nashville Small Business Recovery Fund grant and loan programs. These partners are listed on the program information website at pathwaylending.org.
SIGN UP FOR AN INFO SESSION
