Lendistry

Founded in 2015, Lendistry has established itself as a mission-driven financial institution specifically focused on addressing the persistent funding gaps that exist for small businesses in underserved communities. The company was established with the recognition that despite their economic significance and growth potential, small businesses in certain demographics and geographic areas face disproportionate challenges in accessing capital through traditional banking channels. Lendistry's business model centers on combining financial technology with community development expertise to provide responsible lending solutions with an emphasis on supporting businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and those operating in low to moderate-income areas. Unlike conventional lenders that often rely solely on standardized credit metrics and automated decisioning, Lendistry employs a more holistic approach to underwriting that considers community impact alongside financial performance, creating funding opportunities for viable businesses that might otherwise fall through the cracks of the traditional banking system.

What distinguishes Lendistry in the small business lending landscape is their unique position as both a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and a designated SBA lender—credentials that reflect their commitment to responsible community lending and their ability to offer government-backed loan programs with favorable terms. Unlike many online lenders that focus exclusively on speed and convenience at the expense of personalization, Lendistry pairs technological efficiency with genuine relationship building, employing lending officers who understand the specific challenges and opportunities within the communities they serve. Additionally, their comprehensive approach to capital access extends beyond simply providing loans to include technical assistance, business education, and personalized guidance to help borrowers succeed. This integrated approach to lending and business support sets them apart from transaction-focused lenders and aligns their success directly with the growth and prosperity of their borrowers and the broader communities they serve.

Lendistry offers a diverse range of financing products tailored to small business needs at various stages of growth. Their core offerings include SBA-guaranteed loans ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000 with competitive rates and extended repayment terms of up to 25 years for certain programs. They also provide conventional term loans from $50,000 to $3,000,000 with terms of 3-5 years, designed for businesses with established operations seeking growth capital. For businesses requiring smaller amounts or shorter-term financing, their express loans offer amounts from $25,000 to $250,000 with streamlined application processes and faster funding timelines. Approval decisions for most products typically come within 5-7 business days, with funding following within 7-14 days after documentation completion. To qualify, businesses generally need to have been operating for at least two years, demonstrate positive cash flow, and maintain a personal credit score of at least 620 for the business owner, though these requirements can be somewhat flexible depending on other strengths in the application and the specific loan program. What truly sets their qualification process apart is the consideration given to community impact and potential for job creation alongside traditional financial metrics.