The Arts & Business Loan Program is a collaboration between the City of Eugene and the Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene. This fund offers quick-turnaround, low-cost loans for a crucial economic sector that does not have access to traditional bank financing. It provides loans to aid arts organizations and artists, as well as small, specialty creative and arts-related businesses. 

Read about Shadowfox, the first business to participate in the Arts and Business Loan program!
   

Eligibility

Businesses or individual artists are generally eligible if they are:

• Located within the City of Eugene,
• A start-up or existing specialty creative and arts-related business,
• A not-for-profit arts entity or artist fiscally sponsored by such an entity.

Use of Proceeds

 Directly support arts and culture in Eugene, or place making projects or business improvements that utilize the arts as a primary strategy for community or economic development. 
 

Loan Type

• Bridge loans for special projects secured by contract, grant, foundation funding or other guaranteed income.
• Opportunity loans for new revenue stream investments, expansions or cost-saving opportunities.
• Infrastructure loans to fund historical renovations, storefront improvements and creative place making projects or events.
• Creative capital loans for fundraising events or performance production expenses and artists fees that are secured by event revenue or box office receipts.   

Application Process

Step 1: Submit application to the Arts and Business Alliance of Eugene (ABAE). Application materials available at: http://artsbusinessalliance.org/LoanProgram/ The ABAE loan fund committee will perform an initial application review for project appropriateness and artistic merit. Step 2: Application forwarded for underwriting of financials and materials as described in the application checklist to the City of Eugene. Decision will be approximately 30 days after all questions are answered.

Interest Rate

 
Fixed, typically below market, for the term of the loan. 
 

Loan Term

Loan terms are generally between 6 – 24 months.
 
Fees
$50 non-refundable application fee. 
 
Collateral
Acceptable collateral generally includes business assets, assignment of guaranteed funding, real property and personal guarantees.
 

Loan Amount

$5,000 - $50,000 (dependent upon availability of funds) Loans may be made in larger amounts for projects with extraordinary community benefit Project financing will not exceed 50% of overall project budget. 
  
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