If you own a cookie startup and are looking for microloans to fund equipment, ingredients, or marketing, approaching credit unions in and around your area could be a smart move.
Many credit unions offer microloan programs tailored to local businesses and food entrepreneurs.
In this article, we will explore some of the best credit unions offering microloans that cookie startups should consider for their growth.
Best Credit Unions Offering Microloans for Cookie Startups
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Lake Trust Credit Union (Michigan)
Lake Trust Credit Union offers microloans of up to $50,000, specifically designed to support small businesses and startups like cookie ventures.
These loans can be used for purchasing equipment, stocking up on baking ingredients, funding marketing campaigns, or covering other startup costs.
The credit union focuses on building strong relationships with its members, offering flexible repayment terms and personalized financial advice.
Lake Trust is an excellent option for entrepreneurs seeking community-focused, affordable funding solutions.
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Valley First Credit Union (California)
Valley First provides microloans and lines of credit of up to $50,000, making it a valuable resource for small businesses, including cookie startups.
These funds can be used to purchase baking equipment, secure inventory, hire staff, or invest in promotional efforts.
The credit union offers competitive interest rates and flexible terms tailored to the needs of emerging entrepreneurs.
With a strong commitment to local economic growth, Valley First supports businesses through personalized guidance and accessible financing solutions.
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Nusenda Credit Union (New Mexico)
Nusenda’s Microloan Program is a unique, character- and relationship-based initiative designed to support low-income and underbanked entrepreneurs.
Ideal for cookie startups and small food ventures, the program offers microloans with flexible terms and minimal credit requirements.
Nusenda focuses on building trust and long-term relationships with borrowers, providing not only financial assistance but also business development support.
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Suncoast Credit Union (Florida)
Suncoast Credit Union offers microloans specifically designed for entrepreneurs who may not meet traditional lending standards.
This includes business owners with lower credit scores or those who have only been in operation for a short period, making it ideal for new cookie startups.
The credit union provides flexible repayment options and competitive interest rates, helping small business owners access the capital they need to grow.
Suncoast’s supportive approach empowers local entrepreneurs to build and sustain successful ventures.
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Self-Help Credit Union (Multiple States)
Self-Help Credit Union offers a diverse range of financial products, including microloans tailored for small businesses and nonprofits.
These microloans are ideal for cookie startups seeking funding for equipment, supplies, or marketing efforts.
Self-Help is committed to serving underserved communities, including minorities, women, and low-income entrepreneurs.
With a mission-driven approach, the credit union combines flexible loan terms with personalized support and business guidance.
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BECU (Washington)
BECU offers equipment financing loans of up to $250,000, making it a strong option for cookie startups looking to invest in commercial ovens, mixers, and packaging tools.
With loan terms of up to seven years and interest rates ranging from 7.64% to 13.09%, BECU provides flexible and affordable financing.
As a member-owned credit union, BECU focuses on supporting local entrepreneurs by offering competitive rates, straightforward application processes, and personalized service to help small businesses succeed.
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USF Federal Credit Union (Florida)
USF Federal Credit Union offers unsecured term loans up to $100,000, making it a great option for cookie startups that may not have collateral.
With repayment terms of up to five years and interest rates starting at 8.75%, these loans provide flexibility for covering startup costs such as equipment, ingredients, marketing, or storefront expenses.
USF FCU supports entrepreneurs with a streamlined application process and personalized financial solutions, helping small business owners launch and grow their ventures with confidence.
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Alliant Credit Union (Illinois)
Alliant Credit Union specializes in commercial real estate financing, focusing on large-scale transactions typically ranging from $7 million to $35 million.
While this makes them more suited for established businesses looking to purchase or refinance commercial properties, such as bakery storefronts or production facilities, Alliant offers tailored financing solutions to support business growth and expansion.
Their expertise in commercial lending helps businesses secure the capital needed for long-term real estate investments and operational stability.
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Technology Credit Union (California)
Technology Credit Union provides a variety of financing options designed to support small businesses, including cookie startups.
Their offerings include SBA loans, commercial real estate loans, and asset-based lending, which can be used for equipment purchases, facility expansions, or working capital needs.
With flexible terms and competitive rates, Technology CU focuses on helping entrepreneurs access the funds necessary for growth.
Their personalized approach ensures that borrowers receive guidance tailored to their unique business goals.
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FourLeaf Federal Credit Union (New York)
Formerly known as Bethpage Credit Union, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union provides a wide range of financial products tailored to small business needs.
These include term loans, lines of credit, auto loans, and commercial real estate financing, making it a versatile lender for cookie startups.
Whether you need funds for equipment, inventory, or a delivery vehicle, FourLeaf offers competitive rates and flexible repayment options.
Their commitment to personalized service helps entrepreneurs build and grow sustainable businesses in the New York area.
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Navy Federal Credit Union (National)
Navy Federal Credit Union offers a comprehensive suite of small business financing solutions, including loans, lines of credit, and commercial real estate financing.
Designed to help entrepreneurs, including cookie startups, access flexible funding, Navy Federal supports growth through competitive rates and tailored repayment plans.
With a focus on serving military members and their families, the credit union provides personalized guidance and efficient lending processes, empowering small business owners to achieve their goals and expand their operations nationwide.
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Digital Federal Credit Union (Massachusetts)
Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) offers a free single business checking account that accrues interest, providing small business owners with a cost-effective banking solution.
With access to nearly 6,000 Co-Op Shared Branches nationwide, DCU members enjoy convenient banking services across the United States.
This accessibility, combined with competitive loan options and personalized financial support, makes DCU an attractive choice for cookie startups seeking both everyday banking and growth financing in a supportive credit union environment.
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First Tech Credit Union (Oregon)
First Tech Federal Credit Union primarily serves technology-oriented companies but also supports a broad range of small businesses, including cookie startups.
They offer multiple business checking and savings account options with relatively low daily balance requirements, starting at just $1,000. This makes banking accessible for emerging entrepreneurs.
First Tech combines competitive financial products with personalized service, helping business owners manage cash flow efficiently while providing access to loans and credit lines to support growth and operational needs.
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Consumers Credit Union (Illinois)
Consumers Credit Union serves small businesses in Illinois and Wisconsin, offering a range of financial products including business checking accounts, business credit cards, and various loan options.
These services are designed to help cookie startups and other small enterprises manage daily finances, build credit, and access funding for growth.
With competitive rates and personalized support, Consumers CU empowers local entrepreneurs to invest in equipment, inventory, marketing, and other essential business needs, fostering community economic development.
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Kiva (National)
Kiva offers interest-free microloans up to $15,000 with repayment terms of up to 36 months, making it an excellent funding option for cookie startups and other small businesses.
Kiva focuses on empowering underserved entrepreneurs who may face barriers to accessing traditional financing, including women, minorities, and immigrants.
By leveraging a crowd-funded lending model, Kiva connects borrowers with lenders worldwide, providing accessible capital along with a supportive community to help new businesses launch and grow successfully.
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LiftFund (Texas and Surrounding States)
LiftFund provides small-business loans to entrepreneurs across 15 states, offering a variety of financing options, including SBA microloans and SBA 504 loans tailored for business growth.
They specialize in supporting underserved and minority business owners, including cookie startups, with flexible terms and competitive rates.
LiftFund also offers specialized financing solutions to meet unique business needs, helping entrepreneurs access the capital required for equipment, inventory, marketing, or real estate, all while fostering long-term business success and community development.
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Grameen America (National)
Grameen America focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs by providing microloans designed to help them start and grow their businesses.
These loans support activities such as purchasing equipment, stocking inventory, or expanding operations, making them ideal for cookie startups led by women.
Beyond financing, Grameen America offers financial education, credit-building opportunities, and a supportive community network.
Their mission is to help women build sustainable businesses that create jobs and strengthen economic resilience in underserved communities across the United States.
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Farm Service Agency (National)
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides operating and ownership loans up to $50,000 to support small-scale and beginning farmers, as well as niche agricultural sectors.
These loans can be used to purchase equipment, livestock, seeds, or cover operating expenses, making them suitable for cookie startups that source organic or farm-based ingredients.
The FSA offers favorable terms and low interest rates, helping agricultural entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses while promoting rural economic development and food security across the country.
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Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (Georgia)
ACE offers loans and comprehensive business advisory services aimed at helping underserved entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses.
With a focus on minorities, women, and low-income business owners, including cookie startups, ACE provides accessible financing options alongside personalized coaching and mentorship.
Their support covers everything from business planning to financial management, empowering entrepreneurs to build strong, sustainable businesses.
ACE’s holistic approach helps bridge gaps in access to capital and resources in underserved communities nationwide.
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Accion Opportunity Fund (National)
Accion provides small business loans ranging from $5,000 to $100,000, making it an excellent financing option for cookie startups and other emerging entrepreneurs.
Beyond funding, Accion offers valuable educational resources and personalized coaching to help business owners develop strong financial management skills and strategic growth plans.
Their mission focuses on empowering underserved small businesses by combining flexible loan products with supportive guidance, enabling entrepreneurs to overcome barriers and build thriving, sustainable enterprises across the United States.
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Opportunity Fund (California)
Opportunity Fund specializes in providing microloans to underserved small-business owners, with a strong focus on minority, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs.
These microloans help cookie startups and other small ventures access essential capital for equipment, inventory, marketing, and operational costs.
Alongside financing, Opportunity Fund offers business coaching and support services to foster growth and sustainability.
Their mission is to bridge the financing gap for underserved communities, empowering entrepreneurs to build successful businesses and contribute to local economic development.
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DreamSpring (Southwest States)
DreamSpring provides loans ranging from $1,000 to $250,000, offering vital financial support to entrepreneurs across Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.
Their loan products are well-suited for cookie startups seeking funds for equipment, inventory, or business expansion.
DreamSpring also offers personalized business advising and technical assistance, helping borrowers develop strong strategies for growth and sustainability.
By focusing on underserved small businesses, DreamSpring fosters economic opportunity and community development throughout the Southwest region.
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Justine PETERSEN (Missouri)
Justine PETERSEN offers microloans and credit-building services aimed at supporting low- and moderate-income individuals and families, including aspiring entrepreneurs.
Their microloans provide essential funding for small businesses like cookie startups to cover startup costs, equipment, and inventory.
Beyond financing, Justine PETERSEN emphasizes improving creditworthiness through education and tailored financial coaching.
Their comprehensive approach helps borrowers build a strong financial foundation, empowering underserved communities to achieve economic stability and business success.
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Pacific Community Ventures (California)
PCV provides loans ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 to small businesses, focusing on fostering job creation and social impact through strategic investments.
These loans support cookie startups and other ventures by funding essential needs such as equipment, inventory, and operational costs.
PCV combines financial resources with a commitment to social responsibility, helping entrepreneurs build businesses that not only thrive economically but also contribute positively to their communities by creating employment opportunities and promoting sustainable growth.
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CDC Small Business Finance (California)
CDC Small Business Finance provides capital and comprehensive financial services to small businesses in Arizona, California, and Nevada.
With billions of dollars in loans disbursed, CDC plays a vital role in fostering job creation and economic development in these states.
Their loan programs support cookie startups and other small businesses by offering flexible financing options for equipment, real estate, and working capital, helping entrepreneurs grow sustainably while strengthening local communities through increased employment opportunities.
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Pathway Lending (Tennessee)
Pathway Lending provides loans and educational services designed to support small businesses in Tennessee and Alabama.
Their financing options help cookie startups and other entrepreneurs access essential capital for equipment, inventory, and operational growth.
Beyond lending, Pathway Lending offers business education, coaching, and mentoring to equip entrepreneurs with the skills needed for long-term success.
By combining financial support with personalized guidance, Pathway Lending fosters economic development and empowers small business owners in their local communities.
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Colorado Enterprise Fund (Colorado)
The Colorado Enterprise Fund (CEF) offers loans up to $500,000 to small businesses and startups across Colorado, making it a strong financing partner for cookie entrepreneurs.
These loans can be used for a variety of business needs, including equipment purchases, working capital, and expansion projects.
CEF combines flexible lending options with personalized business support and technical assistance, helping entrepreneurs overcome barriers to growth.
Their mission is to fuel economic development and job creation throughout Colorado’s diverse communities.
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Business Center for New Americans (New York)
Business Center for New Americans provides microloans specifically designed to support immigrants, refugees, women, and other underserved entrepreneurs in New York City.
These loans offer vital capital to help cookie startups and small businesses cover startup costs, purchase equipment, and expand operations.
Beyond financing, BCNA emphasizes community empowerment through financial education and personalized support, helping borrowers build credit and establish sustainable businesses.
Their commitment strengthens economic inclusion and growth in diverse urban neighborhoods.
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Main Street Launch (California)
Main Street Launch offers loans and comprehensive business advising to entrepreneurs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Their financing solutions help cookie startups and small businesses access capital for equipment, inventory, marketing, and growth initiatives.
In addition to lending, Main Street Launch provides personalized coaching and technical assistance, helping business owners develop solid strategies and financial management skills.
Their mission is to foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, and support sustainable economic development in the vibrant Bay Area community.
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Working Solutions (California)
Working Solutions provides microloans up to $50,000 along with business consulting services tailored to underserved entrepreneurs in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Their financing helps cookie startups and other small businesses cover startup costs, purchase equipment, or expand operations.
Beyond funding, Working Solutions offers personalized consulting and coaching to build financial literacy and business acumen.
This dual approach empowers entrepreneurs to overcome barriers, grow sustainably, and contribute to economic vitality within their local communities.