Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) headquartered in Las Vegas offering affordable small business loans, micro loans, and contract financing to Nevada entrepreneurs underserved by traditional banks.
Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks
Access Community Capital is a Nevada-based nonprofit community loan fund founded by entrepreneurs who understand firsthand the challenges of starting and growing a business. The organization operates as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a mission to provide capital and support to small business owners and startups not traditionally served by mainstream financial institutions. Since its founding, Access has positioned itself as the only community loan fund headquartered in Las Vegas, serving entrepreneurs throughout Nevada.
Access Community Capital offers six distinct small business loan products tailored to different business needs and stages. These include the Nevada Business Expansion Loan Fund (in partnership with the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development), the INVEST North Las Vegas Revolving Loan Fund, Micro Loans for established businesses needing quick capital, Contract Financing for businesses bidding on or executing contracts with prime companies or government agencies, Revenue-Based Financing for established businesses, and Special Situations/Custom Financing solutions. Beyond capital, the organization provides technical assistance, business coaching, and educational training to help applicants prepare their businesses for success.
Access distinguishes itself through its deep community roots, nonprofit mission-driven structure, and focus on underserved entrepreneurs. The organization explicitly targets replacing high-interest and predatory debt with flexible, affordable capital. Their micro loans feature fast approval processes, lower interest rates and fees, and longer repayment terms to keep monthly payments affordable. The company emphasizes that supporting their borrowers creates broader community impact by supporting not just businesses but their employees and families.
While Access provides valuable resources for Nevada small business owners, potential borrowers should note that the website lacks specific loan terms, interest rate ranges, or maximum loan amounts, making it difficult to assess affordability or eligibility before contacting the organization. The company's loan statistics on their homepage display as zeros, suggesting either recently launched programs or outdated website content. Additionally, as a community loan fund, their lending may be more restrictive than traditional banks, with geographic focus limited to Nevada.
Yes. ACCESS CDFI is a registered company headquartered in 9205 W Russell Rd Building 3, Suite 240, Las Vegas, NV 89148. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
Access Community Capital is best for Nevada small business owners and entrepreneurs underserved by traditional banks who need affordable capital paired with business coaching and technical support. The primary caveat is the lack of published loan terms, interest rates, or specific program details online—applicants must contact the organization directly to understand whether they qualify and what rates they'll receive, making it impossible to comparison shop before applying.
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
The total yearly cost of borrowing money, including the interest rate plus any fees the lender charges. Think of it as the 'true price tag' on a loan.
Lenders must show APR by law (Truth in Lending Act) because the interest rate alone can hide fees. Comparing APR across lenders is the most reliable way to find the cheapest loan.
Example
You borrow $10,000 at 6% interest for 3 years, but there's a $300 origination fee. The interest rate is 6%, but the APR is 6.9% because it includes that fee. You'd pay $304/month and $946 total in interest.
The percentage a lender charges you for borrowing their money, calculated on the amount you still owe. It's the lender's profit for taking the risk of lending to you.
Even a 1% difference in interest rate can cost you thousands over a loan's life. Lower rates mean less money out of your pocket.
Example
On a $20,000 car loan for 5 years: at 5% you pay $2,645 in interest. At 8% you pay $4,332. That 3% difference costs you $1,687 extra.
The original amount of money you borrowed, before any interest or fees are added. It's the 'real' amount of your debt.
Your interest is calculated on the principal. Paying extra toward principal (not just interest) is the fastest way to reduce your total cost and pay off a loan early.
Example
You borrow $25,000 for a car. That $25,000 is your principal. Your first payment of $450 might split as $150 toward interest and $300 toward principal, bringing your balance to $24,700.
How long you have to repay the loan, measured in months or years. A shorter term means higher monthly payments but less total interest paid.
Longer terms feel more affordable monthly but cost much more overall. A 30-year mortgage costs almost double in interest compared to a 15-year mortgage on the same amount.
Example
Borrowing $200,000 at 6.5%: A 15-year term costs $1,742/month ($113,561 total interest). A 30-year term costs $1,264/month ($255,088 total interest). You save $141,527 with the shorter term.
A one-time fee the lender charges to process and set up your loan. It covers their costs for underwriting, verifying your information, and preparing paperwork.
Origination fees are usually 1-8% of the loan amount and are often deducted from your loan proceeds — so you receive less than you borrowed.
Example
You're approved for a $10,000 personal loan with a 5% origination fee. The lender deducts $500 upfront, so you receive $9,500 in your bank account but owe $10,000 plus interest.
A person who agrees to repay your loan if you can't. They're equally responsible for the debt, and their credit is affected by your payment behavior.
Cosigning helps people with thin credit get approved or get better rates. But it's a huge risk for the cosigner — they're on the hook for the full amount if you default.
Example
A parent cosigns their child's $30,000 student loan. The child stops paying after 6 months. The parent is now legally required to make the payments or face collections, lawsuits, and credit damage.
The process where a lender evaluates your finances — income, debts, credit history, assets — to decide whether to approve your loan and at what rate.
Understanding what underwriters look for helps you prepare a stronger application. They check your DTI ratio, employment stability, credit score, and the asset's value.
Example
You apply for a mortgage. The underwriter reviews your pay stubs (income), bank statements (savings), credit report (history), and orders an appraisal (home value). This takes 2-4 weeks.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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