What is the “Bridge to Success” Loan Program?

The “Bridge to Success” Loan Program aims to provide qualified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) with access to short-term bridge loans necessary to execute contracting opportunities across New York State.  Participating lenders are incentivized to increase lending under the “Bridge to Success” Loan Program through Empire State Development’s (ESD) Loan Loss Reserve Fund. This fund of $2.73 million will mitigate the risks that “Bridge to Success” Lenders may take on.

Short-term loans are available to qualified MWBEs to boost their ability to participate in contracting opportunities with New York State.

• Loans typically range from $75,000 to $200,000
• Lending periods up to 24 months.
• Participating lenders make credit decisions and determine interest rates and applicable fees
• Bridge to Success lenders receive ESD incentive funds to stimulate lending and take on any additional loan risk

Only New York State–certified minority- and/or women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) are eligible. Credit terms and decisions are determined by the participating lenders. Learn more about becoming a certified MWBE.

To apply, contact one of the following participating lenders. For program questions, please call the NYS MWBE Resource Line: (855) ESD-4MWB (855-373-4692).

SEFCU

Teri Kappler Nelson, Business Banking Relationship Manager

Phone: 866/733-2880 x2875

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sefcu.com

Western NY, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier,

Central NY, Mohawk Valley, Capital District

Tompkins Mahopac Bank

Gary Solomon, Vice President, Small Business Lending Manager

Phone: 845/278-1083

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.mahopacbank.com

Mid-Hudson

TruFund Financial Services, Inc.

Steven Berrios, Senior Business Development Officer

Phone: 212/204-1351

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.trufund.org 

Mid-Hudson, Long Island 

Carver Federal Savings Bank

Joseph Middleton, Vice President, Commercial Lending Relationship Manager

Phone: 212/360-8847

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.carverbank.com

New York City

New York Business Development Corp (NYBDC)

Steven Willard, Senior Vice President

Phone: 518/694-8552

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nybdc.com

Statewide