What Community Lending Looks Like
Borrowing From Freedom Equity
Freedom Equity was established to connect borrowers like you with accessible, affordable capital. All prospective borrowers start their relationship with us by attending an Info Session. The sessions are an opportunity for you to learn about what we do and for us to determine how we can best serve your business and goals.
You’ll be invited to create an account in our Lender Portal. This account gives you the option to move forward with a business loan application or to work with our Business Services team. These services help prepare you to apply for a loan and can provide additional supports for your business.
The Business Services team can also connect you with additional resources and service providers.
About Freedom Equity
Freedom Equity Inc. is a federally certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). We were incorporated in 2021, as an alternative lender in Central Ohio and to improve access to capital for Central Ohio businesses.
We promote economic growth and community development; fostering the success and sustainability of local businesses.
In accordance with federal laws and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Director, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20220; or send an e-mail to: crcomplaints@treasury.gov.
There are traditional financial institutions and community lenders serving our region, but a large lending gap remains for the Black business community. Freedom Equity was founded to help close the gap and eliminate barriers. We are focus on increasing economic prosperity by providing affordable lending opportunities for our community.
We employ best practices from across the country to curate a new way of financing small businesses. By implementing practices that promote shared prosperity strategies, we will improve outcomes for businesses historically diminished by systemic racism.
In addition to lending, we provide technical assistance and capacity building for small business owners to support our lending programs. Our wrap-around model connects our customers, as needed, with existing entrepreneurial support organizations.
Freedom Equity was the brainchild of the Franklin County Business Growth and Equity Alliance, which included Franklin County, the Columbus Urban League, and One Columbus. The founding organizations dedicated capital, staff, and in-kind resources to the development of our organization.
