Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Small Business Loans & Tax Credit Financing
Founded in 1986, MOFI has dedicated over three decades to transforming lives and communities through accessible financing solutions. Our mission focuses on economically underserved populations, providing small business loans, tax credit financing, and down payment assistance to individuals who lack traditional bankability. We combine capital access with free, comprehensive business training to help clients achieve financial sustainability and establish long-term banking relationships. Operating across Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Eastern Washington, and Eastern Oregon, we maintain offices in Missoula, Bozeman, Boise, and Salt Lake City. Our New Markets Tax Credit program catalyzes large-scale development projects that create jobs and expand community services in distressed areas.With a team of experienced professionals, we prioritize personalized service and community impact over conventional lending metrics. Our approach has helped over 80% of loan recipients achieve bankability within 36 months. We partner with financial institutions to support clients without competing for their business relationships. Our commitment to economic empowerment extends to affordable housing solutions and technical assistance programs. Through strategic investments and client-centered support, we continue building stronger communities across the Rocky Mountain West.
Services
Business Loans
Tax Credit Loans
Down Payment Assistance
Free Consulting
Lender Partnerships
Community Development Financing
Affordable Housing Solutions
Technical Assistance
Loan Servicing
Credit Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- 36 years of experience supporting underserved entrepreneurs since 1986
- Free comprehensive business training paired with every loan
- Specialize in financing for clients lacking traditional bankability requirements
- 80% of loan recipients achieve bankability within 36 months
- Community-focused approach without competing for client relationships
Associations and certifications
- CDFI
What people say
Life changers
Massive impact
Five-star customer service
Transformative spirit
Community hub
Services
Business Loans
We provide loans ranging from $1,000 to $1,500,000 for entrepreneurs who lack traditional bankability requirements. Our flexible financing options include term loans and lines of credit to help start, grow, or purchase businesses. Each loan includes free business training to build financial sustainability.
Tax Credit Loans
Our NMTC program offers 18-23% low-interest financing for large-scale projects in economically distressed areas. This catalytic capital supports job creation and community service expansion through flexible equity-debt structures. Projects must demonstrate community benefit and financing need.
Free Consulting
Every loan recipient receives complimentary business training covering accounting, marketing, and legal services. Our technical assistance helps clients build successful businesses and achieve long-term financial stability. This support continues throughout the loan term.
Down Payment Assistance
We offer down payment help for first-time homebuyers through specialized financing programs. These solutions address affordability barriers while promoting sustainable homeownership. Assistance includes educational resources and personalized financial guidance.
Lender Partnerships
We work with financial institutions to support unbankable clients without competing for relationships. Our loans help clients build creditworthiness to return to traditional banking within 36 months. Partners benefit from reduced risk while expanding their customer base.
People
Heidi DeArment
Chief Executive Officer
Heidi leads MOFI's strategic direction with over 25 years of community development experience. She champions financial inclusion and sustainable growth while maintaining our mission-driven approach across the Rocky Mountain West.
Greg Astle
Chief Financial Officer
Greg manages financial operations with expertise in sustainable lending practices. He ensures fiscal responsibility while supporting our mission to expand access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs across six western states.
Leah Knickerbocker
Chief Lending Officer
Leah oversees loan operations with a focus on client success. She leads our lending team to evaluate applications fairly while maintaining rigorous standards for financial sustainability and community impact.
Katie Foster
Executive Assistant
Katie provides operational support to MOFI's leadership team. She coordinates internal processes and client communications while upholding our commitment to professional service and community development.
Travis Pattengale
Lending Technical Assistance Manager
Travis delivers specialized support for complex loan applications. He helps clients navigate financing requirements while building capacity for long-term business success through personalized technical guidance.
Questions
What loan programs does MOFI offer?
We provide small business loans ($1k-$1.5M), New Markets Tax Credit financing, down payment assistance, and technical support programs for underserved entrepreneurs.
How do I qualify for a MOFI loan?
We evaluate applicants who lack traditional bankability requirements. Our process considers business potential, community impact, and commitment to growth rather than strict credit metrics.
What is New Markets Tax Credit financing?
NMTC provides 18-23% low-interest capital for large projects in distressed areas. This program creates jobs and expands services through flexible financing structures for qualifying developments.
Do you offer business consulting services?
Yes, we provide free comprehensive training covering accounting, marketing, and legal aspects to all loan recipients throughout their business growth journey.
Which states do you serve?
Our services cover Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Eastern Washington, and Eastern Oregon through offices in Missoula, Bozeman, Boise, and Salt Lake City.