Choice Microenterprise Microloan Program
The Facts
JP is administering a microenterprise loan fund for residents and businesses of the Near North Side Choice Neighborhood Initiative neighborhoods, which are Carr Square, Columbus Square, Old North St. Louis, St. Louis Place, and Downtown West.
- There are no fees, interest, or collateral requirements on the loans.
- Residents may apply for up to $10,000.00
To qualify, residents must:
- Demonstrate residency through a photo id (driver’s license, state id, passport, etc) with an address in the designated areas OR provide a photo id and supporting documentation of residency(utility bill, bank statement, etc).
- Meet underwriting criteria based on loan size. Residents will need to sign a credit authorization form and provide last three bank statements if they have a bank account. Criteria includes credit and recent management of bank account. Residents that do not immediately qualify may work with a JP Counselor to strengthen their application.
To Learn More, Contact:
Franchot Cunningham
P: (314) 393-2025
E: fcunningham@justinepetersen.org
LaTrisha Gandy
P: (314) 710-8548
E: lgandy@justinepetersen.org
What We Can Do For You!
We are here to help individuals who are looking to start or grow their own businesses in one of the choice neighborhoods. We know that starting a new venture or continuing the one you have can be tough, but with the Choice Microenterprise Microloan Program, you can make your vision become a reality!
Choice Neighborhood Success Stories!
DCizion
Owned by Darryl MatthewsNew Earth Farm
owned by Stacey Cline.
DCizion, a dynamic and flourishing hip-hop clothing brand rooted in the cultural hub of Carr Square, St. Louis.The $10,000 loan injected by Justine PETERSEN catalyzed DCizion owner Darryl Matthew’s ambitious expansion plans. The funding enabled an expansion of their key marketing services offerings. The funding went to equipment for printing bulk orders, professional photo shoots, as well as pilot pop-up shops, further establishing their presence in the bustling pop culture scene of St. Louis.
By equipping the firm with essential tools like heat and print pressing machines, and facilitating their foray into digital marketing and radio, Justine PETERSEN has helped increase their impact in the marketing space.
In the heart of the Old North St. Louis neighborhood, Stacey Cline operates New Earth Farm, a waste-to-soil composting business that combines education with implementation.
Having been recognized by the United States Climate Council and other green organizations, their business has grown considerably. They came to Justine PETERSEN for a $10,000 loan to expand Earth Farm's vision of a neighborhood-centric composting service. This funding was instrumental in outfitting their recently acquired lots, installing essential infrastructure such as fencing and utilities, and acquiring the necessary equipment to operationalize their "waste-to-soil" service.