The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

Flexible, Low-Cost Financing to Support Business Growth and Economic Development in Mobile, Baldwin, and Escambia Counties.

What is the Revolving Loan Fund?

The South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC) Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is a locally managed source of capital designed to support business development and job creation across Mobile, Baldwin, and Escambia counties.

The RLF is most often used as gap financing, working alongside banks and other funding sources to help projects move forward that may not otherwise be fully financed. By participating in a broader capital stack, the RLF can reduce overall borrowing costs and improve project feasibility.

Who We Serve

The RLF supports for-profit businesses and select economic development projects that demonstrate clear community and economic benefit, including:

  • • Manufacturing and industrial operations
  • • Service-based businesses
  • • Small and emerging businesses
  • • Projects addressing identified community or market needs

 

Eligible Uses of Funds

RLF financing can be used for a variety of business and development needs, including:

  • • Land acquisition
  • • New construction
  • • Building renovation or expansion
  • • Machinery and equipment purchases
  • • Limited working capital (subject to program guidelines)

 

How the RLF Adds Value

For Businesses & Borrowers:

  • • Below-market or competitive interest rates
  • • Improved access to capital
  • • Flexible structuring to meet project needs

 

For Lenders & Partners:

  • • Reduced risk through shared financing
  • • Enhanced loan feasibility
  • • Opportunity to participate in impactful economic development projects

 

Loan Terms & Guidelines

  • • Loan Amounts: $10,000 – $125,000
  • • Working Capital Limit: Up to 30% of total project cost
  • • Economic Development Focus: The primary consideration for funding is the overall economic development impact of the project. Priority will be given to projects that create or retain jobs, strengthen local industries, or contribute to long-term community wealth and economic resilience.

 

All terms are subject to underwriting and Loan Committee approval.

 

Local Decision-Making

All loan decisions are made locally by SARPC’s Loan Committee. This allows for:

  • • Faster response times
  • • Better understanding of local market conditions
  • • Flexible, project-specific decision-making

 

Application Process

Initial Consultation – Discuss your project with SARPC staff to determine eligibility
Application Submission – Complete and submit a formal loan application
Underwriting & Review – Financial and project analysis conducted
Loan Committee Decision – Terms and approvals determined

Start the Process

To begin, contact our team to schedule an initial consultation or request application materials.
South Alabama Regional Planning Commission
Community Planning and Economic Development Department
251-444-1663
mlee@sarpc.org