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    Affordable financing for
    North Carolina small businesses

    Funding business dreams,
    revitalizing communities

    Connect with a Local Lender
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    Who we serve in North Carolina

    Since 2019, DreamSpring has provided the financial backing that helps North Carolina small businesses start and grow. We know there is no single blueprint for business in the Tar Heel State. The day-to-day reality of running a marine repair shop in Elizabeth City looks entirely different from launching a creative startup in Raleigh. 

    We get that. We also know that innovators in Charlotte and community builders in Durham need a financial partner who looks beyond a simple credit score. Whether you are scaling a shop in Greensboro or opening an agricultural business in Laurinburg, we offer affordable small business loans for growth — even if you’ve been overlooked by traditional banks before. Our mission is to increase access to North Carolina small business financing and resources. From Winston-Salem to the coast, every entrepreneur in the state deserves the opportunity to build something lasting. 

    Micro and Small Businesses
    Startup Businesses
    Nonprofit Organizations
    Solo Entrepreneurs

    Serving North Carolina's unique needs

    Many North Carolina entrepreneurs struggle to find affordable financing, especially for small businesses in startup or growth modes.
    Challenge in North Carolina

    Limited access to fair, affordable credit

    Our Repsonse

    Flexible terms from local lenders who understand your goals

    Challenge in North Carolina

    Fewer financial resources in rural and underserved areas

    Our response

    Community-based lending with free technical assistance

    Challenge in North Carolina

    Limited options for startup and growth

    Our response

    Working capital, equipment loans, and lines of credit

    DreamSpring Businesss Loans in North Carolina

    Loan options and services may vary by location to meet local business needs. 

    Power Line of Credit

    $1,000 to $100,000

    This loan is best for...

    Entrepreneurs looking for a flexible line of credit to support their business.

    LEARN MORE

    Small Business Loan

    $1,000 to $250,000+

    This loan is best for...

    Entrepreneurs who need customized funding to start or grow their business.

    LEARN MORE

    Ready, Set, Grow! Loan

    Up to $15,000

    This loan is best for...

    Entrepreneurs who want to turn a passion project or side hustle into a full-fledged small business.

    LEARN MORE

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    North Carolina dreams come true

    Customer Photo of Tavares James

    Tavares James

    Founder of Lifeline Education Connection in Charlotte, North Carolina

    Read Story >
    Customer Photo of Ninibeth Duarte and Manuel Duarte-Arriaza

    Ninibeth Duarte and Manuel Duarte-Arriaza

    Co-owners of Frogurt Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt in Santa Fe, New Mexico

    Read Story >
    Customer Photo of Joseph Manuel Alvelo

    Joseph Manuel Alvelo

    Owner of My Southern Exposure in Coral Springs, Florida

    Read Story >

    How to start a business in North Carolina

    Step 1: Register your business.

    • File your Articles of Organization or Incorporation with the North Carolina Secretary of State. If you are operating under an assumed name, you must file a DBA with your local Register of Deeds.

    Step 2: Get your federal tax ID (EIN).

    • Secure your 9-digit EIN from the IRS. You will need this to open a business bank account and process payroll.

    Step 3: Register for state taxes.

    Step 4: Verify licensing and permit requirements.

    Step 5: Secure funding and resources with DreamSpring.

    NC State highlight Map

    99.6% of businesses in North Carolina are small businesses!

    How do I apply?

    Let's get started.

    You can start our online loan application from your computer or mobile device. From there, you’ll share information about you and your small business. Based on the information you share, we’ll provide a decision with rates, terms, and details. You can finalize the loan process and sign your loan documents online. We’ll then send the money you need for your business!

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    What documents are required for a DreamSpring loan application?

    Getting ready to apply? Depending on the amount you're requesting, we'll need different documents to complete your loan application. Check out the lists below to prepare ahead of time. If you have questions or want to connect with a lender, we're happy to help. Contact us!

    For loan requests up to $14,999 — we’ll need:

    • A valid photo ID (driver’s license or government-issued ID)

    • A selfie photo of you holding your ID

    • Your three to six most recent months of bank statements (personal, plus business if applicable) shared through Plaid, a free and secure service that connects to your bank on your behalf. 

    • If your address doesn’t match your ID or bank statement: address verification, such as a utility bill or lease/mortgage statement

    For loan requests $15,000 to $49,999 — we’ll need: 

    •  A valid photo ID (driver’s license or government-issued ID)

    • A selfie photo of you holding your ID

    • Your three to six most recent months of bank statements (personal, plus business if applicable) shared through Plaid, a free and secure service that connects to your bank on your behalf.

    • A business profit and loss statement

    • Your most recent year of personal and business tax returns

    • If your address doesn’t match your ID or bank statement: address verification, such as a utility bill or lease/mortgage statement

    • If you have wage income: your two most recent paystubs

    • If your business carries debt not reflected in your other documents: a business debt schedule

    For loan requests $50,000 to $99,999  — we’ll need:   

    • A valid photo ID (driver’s license or government-issued ID)

    • A selfie photo of you holding your ID

    • Your three to six most recent months of bank statements (personal, plus business if applicable) shared through Plaid, a free and secure service that connects to your bank on your behalf.

    • A business profit and loss statement

    • Two of your most recent years of personal and business tax returns

    • A personal financial statement

    • A business balance sheet

    • If your address doesn’t match your ID or bank statement: address verification, such as a utility bill or lease/mortgage statement

    • If you have wage income: your two most recent paystubs

    • If your business carries debt not reflected in your other documents: a business debt schedule

    • If your business has been open for less than two years: a formal business plan with three years of financial projections

    For loan requests above $100,000 — we’ll need:   

    • A valid photo ID (driver’s license or government-issued ID)

    • A selfie photo of you holding your ID

    • Your three to six most recent months of bank statements (personal, plus business if applicable) shared through Plaid, a free and secure service that connects to your bank on your behalf.

    • A business profit and loss statement

    • Three of your most recent years of personal and business tax returns (if applicable)

    • A personal financial statement

    • A business balance sheet

    • If your address doesn’t match your ID or bank statement: address verification, such as a utility bill or lease/mortgage statement

    • If you have wage income: your two most recent paystubs

    • If your business carries debt not reflected in your other documents: a business debt schedule

    • If your business has been open for less than two years: a formal business plan with three years of financial projections

    North Carolina resources and partnerships

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    Attend a workshop, apply for grants, and find organizations in New Mexico that are invested in seeing your business succeed.

    Get in touch!

    A DreamMaker is ready to help.