Know your numbers
Lenders care about three things: personal credit (above 680 is the sweet spot), business cash flow (12+ months of bank statements), and use of funds (a one-page projection of what the money will do). Have all three ready before you call.
Start with CDFIs
Community Development Financial Institutions like Hope Credit Union (Mississippi), Liberty Bank (Louisiana), and Carver State (Georgia) underwrite Black founders that big banks reject. They also have lower documentation thresholds for early-stage businesses.
SBA microloan first
The SBA Microloan program lends up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. Black-focused intermediaries include Accion Opportunity Fund, Grameen America, and Reinvestment Fund. Lower bar than the SBA 7(a).
If you're rejected
Get the denial reasons in writing. Pull your business credit (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business). Fix what's flagged. Reapply in 90 days.