Lendistry provides small business loans from $25,000 with terms up to 10 years, using alternative underwriting to serve business owners traditionally underserved by banks.
Data compiled from public sources · Google rating shown when a stored review count is available
Lendistry was founded in 2015 by a team of founders who witnessed systemic barriers preventing small business owners from accessing fair lending. The company was created to offer an alternative to high-cost lenders and traditional banking institutions that often reject small business applicants. Since its inception, Lendistry has funded over $10.5 billion in small business loans and grants and supported 640,000 small businesses.
Lendistry offers small business loans starting at $25,000 with flexible terms up to 10 years. They provide an online application process that can be completed anytime, anywhere without impacting credit scores. The company specializes in SBA loans and serves businesses across multiple industries. They also offer related services including contractor financing, technical assistance, and insurance products. Their lending approach uses alternative underwriting methods rather than traditional credit-focused decision-making, allowing them to evaluate each business on its unique merits.
Lendistry distinguishes itself through three core pillars: Choices (multiple loan amounts and responsible terms), Fintech (fully online application process), and Equitability (alternative underwriting approach that recognizes business diversity). The company has established high brand visibility, serving as the official small business lender for the LA Sparks and Gotham FC (WNBA and women's soccer teams). They partner with organizations like Visa & Main to connect financing with community development. Additionally, they operate The Center by Lendistry, a nonprofit providing technical assistance and education to small business owners.
Lendistry appears well-positioned within the small business lending market with significant scale and institutional backing. However, while minimum loan amounts ($25,000) are lower than some competitors, they may still be high for very early-stage or micro-businesses. The website emphasizes their mission and impact but provides limited transparency about interest rates, APRs, typical approval timelines, or specific qualification requirements—information critical for borrowers comparing options.
This is state-level context for Business Loans consumers in Los Angeles, CA. It does not confirm that Lendistry or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
Consumer protection
Status: Permitted
Rate context: 10% APR for unlicensed lenders; licensed finance lenders can exceed usury cap for loans under $10,000; AB 539 (2020) caps APR at 36% plus federal funds rate for loans $2,500-$10,000
California Constitution Article XV sets 10% usury cap for general consumer loans. Licensed finance lenders under the California Financing Law (Cal. Fin. Code § 22000 et seq.) can charge rates above the constitutional usury limit for certain loan amounts.
Status: Permitted
Rate context: Governed by California Financing Law. Licensed lenders can exceed usury cap for loans under $10,000. AB 539 caps APR at 36% plus federal funds rate for loans $2,500-$10,000.
Installment loans regulated under Cal. Fin. Code § 22000 et seq. Installment Loan Law requires disclosure of finance charge, APR, payment schedule, and other terms. DFPI oversees licensing and enforcement.
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Lendistry offers 12 services including Small business loans ($25,000 minimum, up to 10 years), SBA loans, Business lines of credit, Contractor financing, Home loans, and 7 more.
Lendistry has profile signals associated with Small business owners rejected by traditional banks who need $25,000+ in growth capital, Minority-owned and women-owned businesses seeking equitable lending terms and alternative underwriting, Established small businesses needing inventory, expansion, or operational cash flow with moderate credit profiles.
Key strengths: Low minimum loan amount of $25,000 compared to traditional bank requirements; Extended terms up to 10 years provide flexible repayment options; Online application process accessible anytime without impacting credit scores. Areas to consider: Website does not disclose specific interest rates, APRs, or pricing structures; No clear information on approval timelines or typical processing duration.
In the Business Loans category, comparable providers include CIVIC Financial Services, Mortgage Loans 365, Republic Finance. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
Lendistry is profile signals for established small business owners who need $25,000+ in financing and have been rejected or underserved by traditional banks. The main caveat is that the website lacks critical loan details (interest rates, APRs, approval timelines, qualification requirements), making it difficult to assess true affordability and eligibility before applying—borrowers should contact directly for listed pricing.
CIVIC Financial Services is a real estate investment lender offering fix-and-flip, bridge, rental, and construction loans for experienced and first-time property investors.
Google rating from 265 reviews
Profile signals: Experienced real estate investors looking to finance fix-and-flip projects with rate claims to verify, Rental property investors seeking portfolio loans for multiple investment properties
California-based mortgage brokerage offering FHA, VA, conventional, jumbo, and specialty loans. DRE-approved and NMLS-registered with offices in Los Angeles.
Google rating from 1 review
Profile signals: California homebuyers seeking diverse loan product options including government-backed and specialty loans, Real estate investors evaluating commercial, apartment, or SBA loan financing
Republic Finance offers personal loans, bill consolidation, and auto-secured loans with flexible terms. Established lender operating 260+ branches across the US since 1952.
Google rating from 30 reviews
Profile signals: Borrowers with existing relationships at Republic Finance locations seeking to refinance current loans, Consumers in underserved areas without local bank branches who can visit a physical office
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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 are required to 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 lower-cost 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.
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.
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.
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 one route 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.
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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