RREDC not only helped with financing our expansion, they also offered advice and support along the way.
Without RREDC, growing our business would have been nearly impossible. They can help when larger institutions can't.
In This Section
Get Help For Your Business
Loan Program
For over 30 years, RREDC has been making loans to small businesses in Humboldt County.
Over 180 businesses from Garberville to Willow Creek to Orick and everywhere in between have received over $18 million in loans from RREDC. Many well-known local businesses got their start or expanded with our help.
RREDC is an “Economic Development Lender”. Therefore, the loans we make should have an economic development purpose, such as:
- Building our economic base by increasing the amount of goods and services sold outside
Humboldt County - Creating or retaining good-paying jobs
- Improving blighted areas
- Bringing business to underserved areas
We are also a "gap" lender. This means that we are not allowed to compete with banks and other private lending institutions. Our customers must have a financing "gap" that cannot be filled by a private lender. This can be a denial of a loan request or the need for additional financing not provided by the private institution.
RREDC Loan Application (pdf document)
Our loan fund was created in 1978 with a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). Click here for the EDA Website
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Testimonials
Mike Branden
Smug's Pizza
RREDC's support has been instrumental in our successes developing additional air service destinations and in providing the necessary airport infrastructure needed for those services.
Jacquelyn Hulsey - Manager
Aviation Division, County of Humboldt
Without RREDC the loan for our business would not be possible. Thanks to them we are in operation today. Thank you for your help.
Debbra Sweet
Partrick's Candy, Eureka
In 1999, my business partners and I applied for a working capital loan at RREDC. They made it easy and possible for us to start our venture as the new owners of Dalianes Travel.
Dianne Harris
Dalianes Travel
We were in the midst of a difficult $1,000,000 renovation project after our building got red-tagged for earthquake safety. Banks were leery of loaning to us because our non-profit income stream did not look dependable to them. RREDC had a wider vision and came through for us at a critical moment.
Bobbi Ricca - Administrative Director
Dell Arte - Blue Lake
I literally wouldn't be a business owner without the help of RREDC. I was in an unique situation where I didn't qualify for a bank loan and RREDC took a chance on me. I have now owned my audiology practice for nearly 5 years!
Julie Kelly, Au.D
North Coast Audiology
The Redwood Region Economic Development Commission has been very responsive to individuals and businesses that we have referred to them. The staff is both knowledgable and caring. We have no reservations recommending RREDC to our clients who can benefit from their services.
John Dalby - President, CEO
Redwood Capital Bank
In 2000 when I began planning to purchase a lot and build a custom tofu-manufacturing plant in Arcata's Aldergrove Industrial Park, RREDC provided invaluable professional advice and moral support during the business plan phase, and ultimately, supplemental financing to make the plan a reality. Their continued support since has helped Tofu Shop Specialty Foods survive and thrive.
Matthew Schmit - President
The Tofu Shop Specialty Foods Arcata
Thanks to RREDC we were able to acquire the additional necessary money we needed to help capitalize our new business venture after all efforts through commercial lenders were exhausted. RREDC was also very helpful in assisting us with our business plan. All of their personnel are wonderful to work with.
Stephen Martinez
The Forks – Willow Creek
Ten years ago my husband and I hoped to open a dinner restaurant. No one would lend us for such a "risky" project. We had a great local reputation and 45 combined years of experience in 4 star restaurants. RREDC made it happen for us! Now we are the premier restaurant in our area, creating jobs and training for young people, paying living wages, providing health care benefits and giving back generously to our community. Thank you RREDC for recognizing our potential!
Beverly Wolfe
Avalon Restaurant
