What it is
The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is a private nonprofit established in 1991. Its stated mission is to catalyze the economic advancement of Latinos and local communities by bridging the gap to capital and resources. LEDC is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and works across three areas: small business, housing, and direct community investments. Its site is available in English and Spanish.
What it offers founders
Through its InBusiness program, LEDC provides training workshops and one-on-one coaching with a personal business advisor. Topics include business planning, financial projections, marketing, web and social media presence, bookkeeping and QuickBooks, company formation, licensing and permitting, foodservice certifications, pricing and access to capital. It also offers industry-specific help for construction, cleaning, daycare and retail businesses. See Small Business services.
On the lending side, LEDC offers microloans from $500 to $250,000 for start-ups and existing businesses that have trouble getting credit from mainstream banks. Its published loan products include:
- SEED Loan: up to $10,000 for businesses under one year old or launching within 3 months, no collateral, 1% closing fee.
- Startup Loan: up to $20,000 for businesses under two years old, up to 60 months.
- Growth Loan: up to $250,000 for businesses with at least two years of operations, up to 120 months.
Business loan rates are listed as low as 6.5% fixed APR. Loan officers look beyond traditional credit criteria. LEDC also runs targeted programs such as the ACE Loan Program, the EmPOWER Loan Program for Frederick County, Maryland, the Food Impact Fund, and grant programs under Direct Community Investments.
Who it is for
LEDC serves Latino and other local entrepreneurs, working families and individuals in DC, Maryland and Virginia, especially those who are underserved by banks. It is a fit for very early founders needing a first small loan or building credit, and for established Main Street businesses seeking growth capital. It is not a venture investor.
How to engage
Loans are requested through an online application linked from the loan products page; applicants generally need recent tax returns and six months of bank statements. For coaching, contact LEDC at 202-540-7400 or through its contact page. Offices are in Washington, DC (1401 Columbia Road NW), Silver Spring (White Oak) and Baltimore, Maryland, and Arlington, Virginia, plus a Financial Empowerment Center in Silver Spring. Workshops are posted on the Small Business Calendar.
Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem
LEDC has offices in all three DMV jurisdictions, offers its website in English and Spanish, and has loan products sized for founders who cannot yet access bank credit. Pairing advising with small, flexible loans makes it a practical first stop for new businesses that need capital and guidance at the same time.
