Before You Apply

Before You Start: Small Business Loan Application Workshop

To start a loan application with CLIMB Fund, all prospective borrowers are required to complete our Small Business Loan Application Workshop. This ensures you understand our lending process, what’s required, and how to set yourself up for a successful application.

You can meet this requirement in one of two ways:

Attend a live virtual session
OR watch our 4-part recorded video series at your own pace

If you choose to watch the recorded modules, you must email our Intake Coordinator at Intake@climbfund.org once you've completed all four videos. Please include the key phrase shared during the presentation in your message. This allows us to verify completion and send you the link to begin your loan application.

Applicants who attend a live session do not need to submit the key phrase.

Are You Eligible for a Loan?

Please review our Application Checklist so that you know what documents you will be asked to submit. CLIMB Fund follows strict lending guidelines based on SBA 7(a) loan program requirements. We prioritize businesses that align with our mission to drive growth and opportunity in South Carolina. Review the types of businesses we support, eligibility requirements, and what you need to know before applying. Lending Guidelines

Before You Start: Small Business Loan Application Workshop

Are You Eligible for a Loan?

Please Note

Complete Business Plan which includes:

Business financial statements (current balance sheet and P&L)

Business Federal Tax Returns for previous 3 years (if applicable)

Personal Federal and State Tax Returns for previous 3 years

Proof of YTD income

Summary of use of proceeds with corresponding proof (estimates, quotes, pricelists, etc.)

Personal Financial Statement (all business owners with 20% or greater ownership)

Copy of identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.)

Lease, LOI, or description of desired business location

Copy of business documentation (if applicable)

Bank declination communication (for requests of $20,000 or greater)

Completed CLIMB Fund Application

Non-Refundable Program Participation Fee of $125.00 to be paid after all documentation is submitted

Lowcountry

Grand Strand

Midlands

Upstate

Western

Before You Apply

Before You Start: Small Business Loan Application Workshop

Are You Eligible for a Loan?

Please Note

Complete Business Plan which includes: Visit our Business Resource Center to find out about organizations that can assist you with writing your business plan Close

Business financial statements (current balance sheet and P&L) Profit & Loss Statement template & Balance Sheet template Close

Business Federal Tax Returns for previous 3 years (if applicable)

Personal Federal and State Tax Returns for previous 3 years

Proof of YTD income For example, a recent check stub or internal financial statements Close

Summary of use of proceeds with corresponding proof (estimates, quotes, pricelists, etc.)

Personal Financial Statement (all business owners with 20% or greater ownership) Personal Financial Statement template Close

Copy of identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.)

Lease, LOI, or description of desired business location For example, a letter of intent or the property listing Close

Copy of business documentation (if applicable) Schedule a meeting with a Loan Officer if you have questions Close

Bank declination communication (for requests of $20,000 or greater) Can be an informal email you received from the bank Close

Completed CLIMB Fund Application

Non-Refundable Program Participation Fee of $125.00 to be paid after all documentation is submitted

Complete Business Plan which includes:

Business financial statements (current balance sheet and P&L)

Proof of YTD income

Personal Financial Statement (all business owners with 20% or greater ownership)

Lease, LOI, or description of desired business location

Copy of business documentation (if applicable)

Bank declination communication (for requests of $20,000 or greater)