The Greater West Dayton Incubator is accepting applications through Feb. 25 for a new round of Cultural Capital microloans.

The program supports Black, women and other underrepresented and underresourced business owners as well as those serving the Greater West Dayton community.

“We created this program for entrepreneurs who have historically been shut out from traditional lending from banks or other entities as a way to support their needs to hire, buy equipment, open physical locations and pay other costs of running a business,” said Whitney Barkley, director of the Greater West Dayton Incubator. “The microloans create more equitable economic opportunities by welcoming applicants based on the passion they have for their business, their persistence and the planning they have done to execute and sustain their idea.”

The microloans range from $500 to $15,000. Along with CityWide Development and the University’s student-run Flyer Consulting, Cultural Capital also offers loan application assistance and other support services.

To date, more than $70,000 has been distributed to local entrepreneurs in industries including education, janitorial services, retail, food and beauty.

Michel’le Curington, CEO and owner of Fail Me Not Tutoring, received a microloan to expand her business in a bigger suite and purchase equipment, including tables, chairs, a computer and high-functioning printer.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to invest in my vision and make it come to life,” she said. “Not only did I apply for the microloan to help me now, but in the future as well. I believe it is a great start to building my business credit for some even bigger loans I may need to apply for in the future.”   

Precious Billingsley, co-owner of Tiny Scholars University Child Care Center, received a microloan as part of her vision to expand to serve more children, including school age. Billingsley said the funds helped purchase indoor play equipment and meet other needs.

“We have had problems in the past when asking for funds to support what we are trying to build,” she said. “This loan was not only a help to us financially, but the entire idea behind the Cultural Capital program is amazing. It gives us hope. It helps provide us ‘small businesses’ with the resources to eventually become ‘large businesses’ or corporations.”

More information on how to apply for a microloan is available online.

The Greater West Dayton Incubator was developed in partnership by community leaders of Greater West Dayton and the University of Dayton to help create a more inclusive economy, which can drive positive change in the community. It offers access to working space, consulting, training, capital and other resources.