Organization · Other
LEND Evanston
LEND Evanston is a student-run nonprofit microfinance organization based in Evanston, Illinois, that provides low-interest microloans and business consulting services to local entrepreneurs. Founded in 2010, it aims to promote economic development and social change within the community.
Overview
What LEND Evanston does
What LEND Evanston is
LEND Evanston is a student-run nonprofit microfinance organization based in Evanston, Illinois, that provides low-interest microloans and business consulting services to local entrepreneurs. Founded in 2010, it aims to promote economic development and social change within the community.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Other
- Founded
- Founded in 2010
- Approximate age
- About 16 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder
- Last reviewed
- May 5, 2026
Official channels
Find LEND Evanston elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
LEND Evanston as a funder
Investment thesis
LEND Evanston empowers local entrepreneurs in Evanston by providing access to microcredit and business development services, focusing on credit-constrained individuals, particularly women and underrepresented groups.
Focus narrative
LEND Evanston focuses on providing low-interest loans and pro-bono consulting services to small businesses in Evanston. The organization has funded approximately 50 businesses and disbursed $275,000 in loans, helping entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional financing.
Value beyond capital
LEND Evanston provides tailored support to small businesses through low-interest microloans and free consulting services from trained Northwestern student consultants, addressing the unique needs of each business.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $1,000–$10,000
- Sweet spot
- $10,000
Focus and fit
- Regions
- North America
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 50
Portfolio context
Notable portfolio companies include: Tomate Fresh Kitchen: A restaurant offering Latin American street cuisine, known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Eco Greenergy Construction, LLC: A general contractor service providing new construction and remodeling for homes. Jennifer’s Edibles: A family-style restaurant serving American and Jamaican soul food.
Common questions
What to know about LEND Evanston
Upseed classifies LEND Evanston under the Other organization type. Its current public profile includes funder capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
May 5, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.