BISHOP, CA (April 7, 2026)— The Eastern Sierra Business Resource Center (BRC) is introducing a new partnership with TMC Community Capital, a nonprofit that provides below market rate loans up to $50,000 for small businesses. This partnership will expand access to microloans for small businesses across Inyo and Mono Counties—unlocking critical funding for entrepreneurs often left out of traditional financing.
Through this partnership, the BRC, a nonprofit offering business development services and technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Eastern Sierra, can now offer $5,000 loans directly to local small businesses, providing a flexible option for entrepreneurs who may have limited or no credit history or operate cash-based businesses.
For more established businesses seeking larger loan amounts up to $50,000, this partnership also allows the BRC to provide a warm handoff to TMC Community Capital for flexible underwriting support, ensuring local businesses receive personalized guidance every step of the way.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Eastern Sierra business ecosystem. Yet these businesses have been historically locked out of the traditional funding streams larger businesses can access,” said Meryl Picard, director of the BRC. “This partnership allows us to expand access to capital for the small business community of the Eastern Sierra by connecting them with a trusted lending partner and providing local, hands-on support to meet them where they are– whether they’re just getting started or ready for the next stage of growth.”
This service is just one of many offered by the BRC in support of its mission to serve small businesses and entrepreneurs across the Eastern Sierra by providing tools, resources, networking and educational opportunities, and, now, expanded financing options to help local businesses thrive.Community members interested in learning more or applying for a loan are encouraged to contact Meryl Picard, director of the BRC, at mpicard@sierrabusiness.org or 530-562-4975. For additional information, visit https://easternsierrabrc.org/milestone-microloan-program/.