Top 20 Easiest Financing Resources in California

1. California Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
   • Description: Enables small businesses to secure capital for growth and operations by offering a guarantee that reduces risk for lenders.
   • Requirements: Must be a small business in California facing difficulties accessing traditional financing.
   • Link: Learn More
2. California Capital Access Program (CalCAP)
   • Description: Encourages financial institutions to loan to small and medium enterprises through loan loss reserve and collateral support.
   • Requirements: Small businesses in California eligible for loans from participating Financial Institutions.
   • Link: Learn More
3. Funding U Private Student Loan
   • Description: Offers loans to high-achieving independent students enrolled in four-year programs with small funding gaps.
   • Requirements: No credit score or co-signer needed. Typical approved borrower has a 650 credit score.
   • Link: Apply Here
4. A.M. Money Private Student Loan
   • Description: Uses GPA instead of credit score to determine eligibility. Primarily for students in Illinois attending school in the state.
   • Requirements: Strong GPA and attendance at a partner school.
   • Link: Apply Here
5. Edly Non-Cosigner Student Loan
   • Description: Offers loans to seniors and graduate students with small funding gaps and no co-signer or credit history.
   • Requirements: No credit history required. Not available in all states.
   • Link: Apply Here
6. Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan
   • Description: Federal direct loans for students, with no credit check required.
   • Requirements: Must complete FAFSA and be enrolled in an eligible program.
   • Link: Learn More
7. ScholarShare 529
   • Description: California’s 529 college savings plan to help families save for future education expenses.
   • Requirements: Open to California residents and non-residents.
   • Link: Learn More
8. California College Promise Grant
   • Description: Waives enrollment fees at eligible California community colleges.
   • Requirements: California resident or eligible under AB 540.
   • Link: Learn More
9. California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant
   • Description: Provides up to $4,500 per academic year for undocumented and DACA students.
   • Requirements: Must complete 150 hours of community service per semester.
   • Link: Learn More
10. California Military Department GI Bill Award Program
    • Description: Pays up to 100% of tuition and fees at California public colleges for qualifying military members.
    • Requirements: Must be an active member of specified California military branches.
    • Link: Learn More
11. Golden State Education and Training Grant
    • Description: One-time $2,500 award for Californians who lost jobs due to COVID-19.
    • Requirements: Must have lost job due to pandemic and seek retraining.
    • Link: Learn More
12. Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant
    • Description: Grant for dependents of law enforcement personnel who died or were disabled in the line of duty.
    • Requirements: Must be spouse or dependent child of eligible personnel.
    • Link: Learn More
13. Middle Class Scholarship
    • Description: Scholarship for students from middle-income families attending UC or CSU schools.
    • Requirements: Family income and assets up to $201,000.
    • Link: Learn More
14. Cal Grant
    • Description: Need-based grant for California residents attending eligible California colleges.
    • Requirements: Meet financial, academic, and eligibility requirements.
    • Link: Learn More
15. California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
    • Description: Grant of up to $5,000 per year for current or former foster youth.
    • Requirements: Current or former foster youth under age 26.
    • Link: Learn More
16. Merchant Cash Advances
    • Description: Alternative financing option for businesses based on future credit card sales.
    • Requirements: Varies by provider, generally less stringent than traditional loans.
    • Link: Learn More
17. Microloans
    • Description: Small, short-term loans for startups and small businesses.
    • Requirements: Varies by lender, often more accessible than traditional bank loans.
    • Link: Learn More
18. Crowdfunding
    • Description: Raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the Internet.
    • Requirements: Varies by platform, generally accessible to most businesses.
    • Link: Learn More
19. Online Term Loans
    • Description: Fixed-term loans offered by online lenders, often with more flexible requirements than traditional banks.
    • Requirements: Varies by lender, generally more accessible for businesses with less-than-perfect credit.
    • Link: Learn More
20. Lines of Credit
    • Description: Flexible financing option allowing businesses to borrow up to a certain limit and only pay interest on the amount used.
    • Requirements: Varies by lender, often more accessible through online lenders.
    • Link: Learn More

Remember to thoroughly research each option and consult with a financial advisor to determine the best financing resource for your specific situation.