What We Do

EAF client Adele Caillet works at her tailoring and African apparel business, Amber by Adele Tailoring. (Amanda Mae Photography for JFS of Washtenaw County)

Our Services

Through a mix of in-person and virtual services, EAF and our partners meet each entrepreneur where they are, helping them to increase their capacity to start or grow their business.

We provide business technical assistance and training including small business workshops and advisory services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate and responsive to the unique needs of each entrepreneur.

We provide access to capital through affordable loans coupled with financial and credit education. Our loan products are tailored for those who are low-income, have little or no credit history, and are unable to access credit from mainstream financial institutions.

We facilitate market opportunities for businesses to sell their goods and services, helping them increase revenue, expand their customer base, and build business acumen.

Through business ownership, refugees work toward financial independence so they can provide for themselves and their families and contribute to their local economies and communities.

Our Loan Products

EAF’s loan products are tailored for those who are low-income, have little or no credit history, are unable to access credit from mainstream financial institutions, or are precluded from paying interest because of religious beliefs.

Readiness Loan

Support your path toward self- employment and small business readiness

LOAN AMOUNT

$1,500 to $3,500

TERM

Up to 18 months

USE OF FUNDS

Business licensing, certification,training, or startup readiness expenses connected to a planned income-generating activity or small business.

Examples: Occupational licenses, food service or cosmetology certifications, and industry-specific business training.

PURPOSE

Support business readiness and entrepreneurial development
Obtain credentials required for self-employment or small business activity
Prepare for future business financing opportunities

BEST FOR

Early-stage entrepreneurs and self- employed individuals preparing to launch or formalize a small business or income-generating activity.*
*This loan is intended solely for business or commercial purposes and is not available for personal, family, or household expenses.

Gig Economy Loan

Support income-generating independent business activity

LOAN AMOUNT

Up to $25,000

TERM

Up to 48 months

USE OF FUNDS

Business-related vehicle purchases, equipment, or startup expenses connected to independent contractor or self-employment activity.

Examples: Rideshare, delivery, transportation, logistics, and other independent service-based business activities.

PURPOSE

Support self-employment and independent business activity, including launching or growing contractor operations.

BEST FOR

Independent contractors, self-employed individuals, and early-stage entrepreneurs engaged in income-generating business activity.

Microenterprise Loan

Support the launch, growth, or stabilization of a small business

LOAN AMOUNT

Up to $40,000

TERM

Up to 48 months

USE OF FUNDS

Business-related startup, operating, or growth expenses.

Examples: Working capital, inventory and supplies, tools and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and minor business renovations.

PURPOSE

Support the launch, expansion, or stabilization of a small business and strengthen long-term business capacity.

BEST FOR

Small business owners and entrepreneurs with a defined business activity or growth plan.

EAF also offers a Fixed Fee Loan, a financing option that does not charge interest, but instead includes an administrative fee to cover the cost of providing the loan. This fee is fixed (it won’t change) and is clearly explained up front, so you know exactly what to expect.

Learn more

EAF Strategic Plan

Learn more about HIAS Economic Advancement Fund's strategic goals for 2024-2026.

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Partner with Us

Help further our mission of empowering refugee entrepreneurs.