We make the process of applying for a loan quick and seamless
CEI offers business financing for a wide range of purposes including start-up, working capital, real estate and equipment purchases, facilities expansion, and construction in Maine.
CEI is committed to reducing the wealth gap and building a more equitable economy by focusing our services on people and communities unable to access financing from traditional sources. And we don’t stop there. Our lenders, investors, business and workforce advisors, and food system, aquaculture, and climate experts lend their expertise, connections, and hands-on support to make sure you and your business succeed.
CEI LOANS
Find the Right Loan for You
Have questions about a potential loan request? Complete our inquiry form!
Business Loans
Loans up to $1 million
Get the cash you need to help your business grow. New to applying for a business loan, or heard a “no” before? Our friendly and knowledgeable lenders, business advisors and credit counselors are here to help you succeed.
Terms
Terms and closing costs may vary based on specifics of project and prevailing market rates. Typical time to approval is 4-6 weeks but can fluctuate based on number of requests.
Geography:
Maine
Sector:
Any
Uses:
Start-up, working capital, real estate and equipment purchases, facilities expansion, and refinance of existing higher interest rate debt.
Amount:
Up to $1 million (higher amounts may be considered)
Interest Rate:
6-10%
Typical Term:
3-7 years with extended amortization possible.
Other Features / Requirements:
Speak with your loan officer about additional features or requirements.
Loan Process
Have your business plan, financials, and other materials handy? Then you’re ready to apply!
Loan ApplicationIn addition to the application above, you must submit a credit acknowledgement for each guarantor listed on the loan application.
Credit AcknowledgementReview our application checklist to ensure you have all the materials you need.
Application Checklist
Wicked Fast Microloans
Are you looking for flexible cash for your business without a long and complicated application process? CEI’s Wicked Fast Loans offer up to $15,000 for start-up businesses and up to $30,000 for existing businesses, with a loan decision in 3 business days.
Terms
A loan decision is provided in 3 business days.
Geography:
Maine
Sector:
Any
Uses:
Working capital, equipment/supplies and refinance existing higher interest. Funds cannot be used for real estate purchases.
Amount:
Up to $15,000 for start-up businesses and up to $30,000 for existing businesses.
Interest Rate:
7.25%
Typical Term:
Up to 5 years/60 months
Other Features / Requirements:
Decision within 3 business days. Non-profit businesses do not qualify. Borrower must have evidence of a relationship with a business advisor. CEI can make referrals to a free Business Advisor upon request.
Loan Process
Have your business plan, financials, and other materials handy? Then you’re ready to apply!
Loan ApplicationIn addition to the application above, you must submit a credit acknowledgement for each guarantor listed on the loan application.
Credit AcknowledgementReview our application checklist to ensure you have all the materials you need.
Wicked Fast Application Checklist
Riba-Free Loans
We know that a lack of financing options that align with Islamic financing principles can limit your ability to start or grow your business. For entrepreneurs like you, we provide an alternative that charges a fixed monthly administrative fee, based on the loan amount and term, instead of interest that accrues each month.
CEI believes this fixed fee-based product is compliant with the principles of Islamic finance and is similar to other models we have researched. We acknowledge that there are many countries and regions of the world which interpret Islamic law differently, so please feel free to review with your local mosque, imam or other community members.
Terms
Terms and closing costs may vary based on specifics of project and prevailing market rates. Typical time to approval is 4-6 weeks but can fluctuate based on number of requests.
Geography:
Maine
Sector:
Any. This business loan product is available to all applicants for commercial uses.
Uses:
Working capital, equipment/supplies and refinance existing higher interest.
Amount:
Up to $1 million.
Interest Rate:
None. A fixed monthly administrative fee is calculated on the loan amount and term based on the cost of doing business, which includes CEI’s cost of funds, internal loan group operations, and the loan’s level of risk. Over the life of the loan, the cumulative admin fee is equal to the accrued interest on a typical interest-bearing loan of the same amount and term.
Typical Term:
3-7 years
Other Features/Requirements:
Speak with your loan officer about other features or requirements.
Loan Process
Learn more about our Riba-Free Loan product
Riba-Free LoansHave your business plan, financials, and other materials handy? Then you’re ready to apply!
Loan Application (Under $30,000)Have your business plan, financials, and other materials handy? Then you’re ready to apply!
Loan Application (over $30,000)In addition to the application above, you must submit a credit acknowledgement (link below) for each guarantor listed on the loan application.
Credit AcknowledgementReview our application checklist to ensure you have all the materials you need.
Application Checklist
Child Care Loans
Your passion is helping children grow & develop. Ours is to help you finance your dream. After nearly 45 years of helping child care providers just like you, we’ve created a special loan product for licensed Maine child care providers (and those in the process of being licensed) that is tailored to your needs. Loans can be used to buy children’s activities, create an outdoor learning environment, purchase required health & safety supplies, renovate or purchase a building and more. We think it’s particularly important that you have enough money or working capital on hand to cover staff wages, food & consumables (ex. fingerpaint and paper) during your first few months. Whether you are starting up or expanding, we are ready to help with financing to make your child care dream a reality.
Terms
Geography:
Maine
Sector:
Licensed Maine child care businesses and entrepreneurs in the process of being licensed
Uses:
Business assets (children’s activities, furniture, supplies & more) and working capital (money on hand for bills during the first few months)
Amount:
Up to $250,000. Higher amounts may be considered.
Interest Rate:
2.75%
Typical Term:
5 to 7 year loan with interest only payments for the first 6 months.
Other Features / Requirements
• Business plan / financial forecast is cash flow positive • 25% owner investment (can include Child Care Infrastructure Grant award) • 20% of enrollment allocated to Child Care Affordability Program
Loan Process
Have your business plan, financials, and other materials handy? Then you’re ready to apply!
Loan Application (over $30,000)In addition to the application above, you must submit a credit acknowledgement for each guarantor listed on the loan application.
Credit AcknowledgementReview our application checklist to ensure you have all the materials you need.
Application Checklist
Sea Farm Loans
Financing for Maine’s Aquaculture Businesses
If you are seeking to grow your aquaculture operation but have had difficulty getting a loan from a commercial lender, CEI is here to help. We have over 45 years of experience working with marine trades, in and on the working waterfront, and are experts in aquaculture practices and financing.
Terms
Terms and closing costs may vary based on specifics of project and prevailing market rates. Typical time to approval is 4-6 weeks but can fluctuate based on number of requests.
Geography:
Maine’s coastal counties – York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, Waldo, Hancock and Washington Counties
Sector:
Commercial aquaculture. To be eligible: – Borrower must have necessary licensing and leasing permits – Borrower must have documented $500 in sales to unrelated/non-family party – A complete business plan and minimum two years cash flow projection
Uses:
Restructuring of debt, purchasing boats, gear, and equipment, renovating or constructing infrastructure, acquiring land, and operating capital
Amount:
Up to $250,000 (higher amounts may be considered)
Interest Rate:
Fixed at 5%
Typical Term:
5-7 years with extended amortization possible.
Other Features / Requirements:
Flexible/seasonal repayment schedules may be available.
Loan Process
Have your business plan, financials, and other materials handy? Then you’re ready to apply!
Loan ApplicationIn addition to the application above, you must submit a credit acknowledgement (link below) for each guarantor listed on the loan application.
Credit AcknowledgementReview our application checklist to ensure you have all the materials you need.
Application Checklist
Meat & Poultry Processing Loans
Terms
The objective of the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) is to strengthen the capacity of independent meat processors, and to create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain. Loans for the start-up, expansion, or operation of slaughter or processing of meat and poultry.
To qualify for these loans a business must be engaged or propose to engage in USDA inspected meat and poultry processing. Custom exempt processing facilities do not qualify for this product, unless they have a demonstrated plan in place to become a USDA federally inspected facility.
Geography:
New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) and New York
Sector:
Any species eligible for USDA inspection include cattle, sheep, swine, goats, catfish, and equine. Poultry species amenable to USDA inspection include chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, guineas, ratites, and squabs (young pigeons).
Uses:
Predevelopment, real property and business acquisition, construction, working capital, machinery, and equipment.
Amount:
Up to $2.5 million
Interest Rate:
Fixed Rate of 6%
Typical Term:
Up to 10 years, with amortization over 20 years possible.
Other Features / Requirements:
NOTE: The following species are not eligible for voluntary federal inspection or this lending program: rabbit, antelope, bison, buffalo, catalo or cattalo, deer, elk, reindeer, water buffalo, yak; voluntary poultry, migratory waterfowl, and game birds.
Loan Process
Have your business plan, financials, and other materials handy? Then you’re ready to apply!
Loan ApplicationIn addition to the application above, you must submit a credit acknowledgement for each guarantor listed on the loan application.
Credit AcknowledgementReview our application checklist to ensure you have all the materials you need.
Application Checklist
Low-Cost Solar Loans
Does your small business want to go solar? As part of a pilot program, we are offering 3.25% interest loans for small businesses in Maine looking to go green and install solar panels on their business. We can also get you in touch with local solar installers for a quote.
Funds are limited and priority will be given to businesses that are BIPOC-, women-, or immigrant-owned. Loans may be capped in size due to demand.
Terms
Terms and closing costs may vary based on specifics of project and prevailing market rates. Typical time to approval is 4-6 weeks but can fluctuate based on number of requests.
Businesses eligible for the 3.25% rate are:
- Business is located in an CDFI Fund-designated Investment Area (see sidebar)
- Low-income borrower
- Business serves low-income people as the business model
- BIPOC, Woman, or Immigrant-owned
- Business is within the following sectors: Aquaculture/Fishery, Food/Ag, Green Enterprises*, Child Care
*To qualify as a green enterprise, the core mission of the business must be to provide an environmentally related good, product, or service.
Geography:
Maine
Sector:
Any
Uses:
Installation of solar panels and related upgrades (e.g. battery storage, electrical panels)
Amount:
Up to $200,000.
Interest Rate:
3.25% for those who meet eligibility requirements (see above). Market-rate loans are available for other business borrowers.
Typical Term:
5-7 years with extended amortization possible.
Other Features/Requirements:
CEI requires loan applications to be completed a minimum of 6 weeks before the REAP applications are due to give adequate time to produce the necessary documentation (only applicable to those applying for REAP).
Loan Process
Can’t swing solar right now, but are interested in the future? We are currently raising funds to expand the program. Sign up to be notified of future funding options.
Sign UpIs my Business in an Investment Area??
Investment Area Mapping ToolHave your business plan, financials, and other materials handy? Then you’re ready to apply!
Loan ApplicationIn addition to the application above, you must submit a credit acknowledgement for each guarantor listed on the loan application.
Credit AcknowledgementReview our application checklist to ensure you have all the materials you need.
Application Checklist
Community Facility & Nonprofit Loans
CEI offers financing to projects that support nonprofits and/or the construction, rehabilitation or expansion of facilities that support community needs including:
- Healthcare facilities such as hospitals, medical and dental clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities
- Community, social, or cultural services such as child care centers, community centers, food banks and pantries, fairgrounds, transitional housing, libraries or schools
Terms
Terms and closing costs may vary based on specifics of project and prevailing market rates. Typical time to approval is 4-6 weeks but can fluctuate based on number of requests.
Geography:
Maine
Sector:
Community Facilities & Nonprofits
Uses:
Start-up, working capital, real estate and equipment purchases, facilities expansion, and refinance of existing higher interest rate debt.
Amount:
Up to $1 million (higher amounts may be considered)
Interest Rate:
6-8%
Typical Term:
3-7 years with extended amortization possible.
Other Features/Requirements:
Limited to borrowers who are Nonprofit organizations and Tribal entities.
Loan Process