Harris County Opportunity Fund

In May 2024 Harris County’s Commissioners Court approved the partnership with PeopleFund to administer a 5-year pilot revolving loan fund program, Harris County Opportunity Fund, to provide low-interest capital through micro-loans and growth loans to eligible small businesses. Additionally, PeopleFund will provide all applicants with access to free technical assistance. The overall goal is to improve small businesses' sustainability and access to capital, thus aligning with Harris County’s Small Business Priority Outcome to “support the formation, survival, and growth of small and micro businesses.” 

Harris County Opportunity Fund will provide loans ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 for eligible small businesses through an equitable underwriting process, ensuring minority and/or women-owned enterprises (M/WBEs) improve their access to capital. 

• Loan amounts between $5,000-$250,000. Larger amounts may be available through PeopleFund special programs.
• Eligible borrowers will benefit from a 2% interest rate reduction and no closing fees (except those required by third parties) for all PeopleFund loan products.

• Located in Harris County
• In good standing with local, state, and federal governments with no outstanding tax obligations or liabilities
• Not currently in bankruptcy
• Negatively impacted due to COVID-19 and/or be unable to secure adequate capital and/or terms in the private market
• Meet other underwriting and eligibility criteria used by PeopleFund in our normal course of business
• Business not engaged in any of the following industries: gambling, exclusive online (virtual) businesses, consumer and marketing cooperatives, real estate investment firms, speculation-based businesses, rare coin and stamp dealers, government agencies, government-owned agencies, lending firms, loan packaging firms, multi-sales distribution, pyramid schemes, multi-level marketing schemes, illegal firms.
• Funding cannot be used to pay off tax liabilities/liens or judgements.
• Funding cannot be used to build or reconstruct/remodel residential buildings (unless such reconstruction is intended to convert the building into a business operation).
• Other requirements according to Harris County and PeopleFund program eligibility criteria.

The Harris County Opportunity Fund Loan Review Committee will serve as a critical oversight body and provide guidance to the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO) on the adherence to Harris County Opportunity Fund program goals.

The Harris County Opportunity Fund Loan Review Committee comprises the following esteemed individuals.

October 1, 2024-October 1, 2026:

• Soledad Tanner
• Marsha Murray
• David Chang
• Charles McNeil
• Kendra Yarbrough Camarena

October 1, 2024-October 1, 2027:

• Carlecia Wright
• Stephen Miranda