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Loans to support workforce development solutions

RSF provides loans to workforce development programs that create positive social impact through job training and career development programs, especially for those looking for work after experiencing homelessness, incarceration, or addiction. We seek to partner with social enterprises that are creating jobs and building wealth in historically marginalized and under-resourced communities.

Apply for a loan from RSF

Loan options

We offer a variety of loan options including mortgage loans, construction loans, equipment loans, and working capital lines of credit to organizations that are providing access to job and career training, meaningful jobs, and social support systems to at-risk and other-abled individuals participating productively in the economic life of communities.

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Complete our simple loan application to get the process started.

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Qualifications

RSF provides financing for enterprises that deliver job training and workforce development services with a mission-first approach. We focus on social enterprises based in the U.S. and Canada that are working to create long-term positive social impact. General criteria for borrowers includes:

Annual revenue of at least $750,000

Excellent history of repayment on debt

Two or more years of operating history

Ability to provide collateral (which may include pledges or guarantees)

Operating cash flow positive or can demonstrate a path to an operating cash flow surplus in 12-24 months

Needs ranging from $200,000 to $5 million

Working with RSF

Borrowing from RSF to support you enterprise will be a different experience as we take a relationship-based approach with all of our clients. We work exclusively with impact-focused organizations and impact investors are our capital source.

Our loans have supported many organizations that are committed to removing barriers and expanding access to job training, career support services, jobs and income, as well as a sense of purpose and value through work.

We also know it takes more than capital to scale impact. Aside from loans, RSF’s integrated capital approach means we also provide network connections, advisory support and other forms of non-financial and resources.

Drive Change

Drive Change (DC) provides job training and employment to young people coming home after incarceration. Their mission is to foster an environment for returning citizens to learn the skills required to succeed in the food service and hospitality industries and to become leaders in their community. DC runs a paid fellowship for these 18- to 25-year olds and works closely with business owners to build just work environments and to support employee retention. RSF has been supporting DC with a line of credit since 2018.

Belay Enterprises

Belay Enterprises is a faith-based, nonprofit organization that creates social enterprises to employ and job train individuals rebuilding their lives from addiction, homelessness, and prison. Belay employees participate in a one-year program, during which they undergo a life skills curriculum inclusive of topics such as healthy living, personal finance, and computer skills. RSF provided Belay with a mortgage loan when the organization needed a new location.

Lending practices

RSF prioritizes lending to organizations that demonstrate broad, meaningful community benefits. We seek to partner with ventures that are committed to serving historically marginalized people of color, women, indigenous communities, and rural and low-income regions.

Loan process

Timing and steps to receive a loan

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Frequently asked questions
  • What type of workforce development models does RSF work with? 

    RSF seeks to work with any organizations who are creating opportunities for training, education, job access, or other programs that elevate individuals to meaningful access to pathways to quality jobs. Models include staffing, training, job access, transitional, etc.  

  • Does RSF collaborate with other funders?

    Yes, RSF is constantly working with other lenders, equity investors, foundations, government funders, and combinations of different capital types. RSF is well versed in many forms of capital. We welcome the opportunity to partner with values-based banks, community development financial institutions, nonprofit lenders and family offices with lending programs.

  • Does RSF measure and report on impact?

    Yes, RSF uses the RSF Impact Assessment (RIA) to collect qualitative and quantitative impact information from borrower partners. The RIA is part of a multi-year effort to gather impact information which will be used to inform RSF management decisions, report RSF’s community impact in aggregate, and support individual borrower impact goals. The assessment seeks to embed Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) principles throughout the assessment as a priority focus on understanding borrower impact in communities. 

    RIA questions fall into six categories: Impact Model, Community and Field Building, Organizational Structure and Employee Experience, Resource Management and Supply Chain, Leadership and Organizational Culture, and Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI). 

    The assessment survey takes about an hour to complete and we ask that it be updated annually so we can track and support progress over time. 

More questions?

Contact

Amy Bird
Senior Relationship Manager, Social Enterprise Lending
amy.bird@rsfsocialfinance.org
415.561.7985