GOLS Process

If you are interested in applying to the GOLS Program, please follow the step-by-step procedures below:

Step 1: GOLS Program Eligibility Criteria*:

To be eligible for nomination for the GOLS program, businesses must:

  • Be physically located in one of the five boroughs of New York City
  • Have been in operation for a minimum of three years
  • Have generated a minimum of $300,000 in annual revenue in the previous year
  • Employ five or more full-time employees
  • Show viable growth opportunities and a scalable business model
  • Possess highly engaged management
  • Demonstrate community development impact, such as:
    • Location in a targeted low-to-moderate income (LMI) community
    • Majority-owned by women, members of racial/ethnic minorities, or other disadvantaged groups**, and/or
    • Employ a majority of its workers from LMI communities

*Additional eligibility requirements and exceptions may apply. **As defined by the US Small Business Administration

Step 2: Nomination

Small businesses are selected for participation in the GOLS program based on a business model that is poised for high growth. Businesses must meet GOLS eligibility criteria and be recommended through one of the program’s nominating partners. Please click here to view the list of our nominating partners.

Step 3: Loan Terms

  • Loan Size $250,000 - $750,000
  • Operating History At least three years of operation
  • Loan Terms Up to 60 months
  • Interest Rate 6–10 percent
  • Application Fee $250
  • Closing Fee 3 percent of loan amount

Step 4: Application

  1. Review the eligibility criteria to confirm that your business is eligible for the program. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, please call us at (877) 296-8878. You may be eligible for a different Seedco Financial program, or we may be able to refer you to other lenders.
  2. Download the GOLS Program Application and send the completed application, the materials listed on the cover page of the application, and a non-refundable $250 application fee (check made out to Seedco Financial Services) to:

    Seedco Financial Services, Inc.
    Attn: GOLS Program Director
    915 Broadway, 18th Floor
    New York, NY 10010
  3. If you have a relationship with one of our Nominating Partners, please ask the partner to download and complete the GOLS Program Nomination Form. The Nominating Partner should submit the completed form by email to GOLS@seedco.org or by fax to (646) 274-1165. If you do not have a relationship with one of our Nominating Partners, please contact us at (877) 296-8878 or GOLS@seedco.org and we will help you identify a partner to support your application.
  4. You will receive an email confirming receipt of all required application materials (GOLS Program Application, GOLS Program Nomination Form, required application materials, application fee check) by Seedco Financial.

Step 5: Review and Selection

You will be notified about the status of your application. If you are selected into the program, the program director will review next steps with you.

Step 6: Program Initiation

Once you are accepted into the program, you will work with the program director throughout the process. The program director will guide you through the baseline assessment, credit approval, business services and mentorship phases of the program and be available to you as a resource throughout the process.

Questions? Please contact us at GOLS@seedco.org or 877.296.8878 for additional information on our Growth Opportunity Loans & Services program.

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