Founder Lending Program

The Founder Lending Program provides low-interest, de-risked loans to Arch Grants Founders from historically marginalized backgrounds or operating in underserved areas of St. Louis City or North St. Louis County. Backed by a loan guarantee fund, the program reduces barriers to capital while supporting business growth, job creation, and long-term community wealth.

Access to affordable capital remains one of the most significant barriers facing entrepreneurs, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. The Founder Lending Program was created to help close that gap by connecting capital-ready Arch Grants Founders with mission-aligned financial institutions and a guarantee structure that reduces risk for lenders.

Designed to complement Arch Grants’ equity-free grant model, the program provides responsible debt capital that supports sustainable growth and long-term financial stability.

This program is made possible through a partnership with the James S. McDonnell Foundation and mission-aligned financial institutions, with St. Louis Community Credit Union serving as the program’s primary banking partner.