The Philadelphia Business Lending Network (PBLN) streamlines the process for local business owners to express interest in loan financing. At no cost and using only one form, you can notify a group of more than 28 lenders of your interest to apply for a loan.

Consisting of both for-profit and nonprofit lenders, the network reviews every completed interest form. Eligibility requires having a small business currently in Philadelphia or concrete plans to relocate or expand into the city.

PBLN participants may also qualify for an equity incentive grant through the Department of Commerce. For eligible small businesses approved for a loan by a PBLN lender, the Department of Commerce provides an equity incentive grant of up to $50,000, covering up to 50% of the total funding request.

In 2025, 46 businesses received a total of $831,907 in funding through the PBLN.

Finanta – a private, independent nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) – is one of the many PBLN member organizations. Its mission is to provide capital in places where it is not usually available.

Hear from Giovannie Vilomar (GV), Finanta’s microloan business consulting manager, and one of their clients, Maria Linda Montilla Navarro (MLMN), owner of PH Montilla Services LLC – a multi-services and event planner – about their experience with the PBLN.

Interview with PBLN funding recipient Maria Linda Montilla Navarro, owner of PH Montilla Services LLC

What was the motivation behind launching your business, and when did its journey begin?
MLMN: I founded PH Montilla Services LLC in 2019 with a clear vision: to serve the community by facilitating access to essential services in an organized, reliable, and human-centered way. Beyond the service itself, my purpose has been to inspire people with a simple yet powerful message: ‘you can always move forward.’

I firmly believe that when self-esteem is strengthened and inner confidence rises, fear loses its influence, allowing individuals to access information and opportunities that drive their growth. Elevating the individual ultimately strengthens the entire community, making it more united, more informed, and better positioned for well-being.

From this perspective, we work to connect families with professionals while removing barriers such as language and misinformation in critical processes.

Why did you decide to launch your business in Philadelphia? 

MLMN: I chose Philadelphia because it is a city with a strong historical foundation and a diverse community that allows me to grow and serve. It is a place where accessible and reliable services are truly needed. Here, I have been able to create direct impact, build strong and growing relationships, and contribute to local economic development.

What financial or operational hurdles did your business face that prompted you to seek funding through the PBLN?
MLMN: Before applying, the main challenges were internal organization, process optimization, and access to resources to scale sustainably. Although we were already experiencing growth, we needed structure to consolidate it and improve operational efficiency.

How did you become aware of PBLN, and what prompted your application for funding?
MLMN: I learned about the PBLN program through Finanta, and I consider it a God-guided connection at the right time. I am deeply grateful to the City of Philadelphia, City Hall, and all the organizations involved for believing in small businesses like mine. I especially thank Finanta’s AGL team, and Daniel Betancourt, for their leadership and support. I also recognize my clients who have been key in this process. I decided to apply because I found structure, guidance, and a real opportunity for purposeful growth. 

What impact has receiving and utilizing funds from the PBLN had on your company? 

MLMN: At PH Montilla Services LLC, we have experienced sustained growth as a result of our participation in the PBLN program, achieving an approximate 8% to 9% increase during 2025. This progress allowed us to strengthen our operations and add two new team members, creating stability for their families and a positive impact on our community. We have also improved our internal organization and service quality, providing a stronger experience for our clients. We are grateful to God and to the PBLN program for this momentum, which has allowed us to grow with greater clarity, structure, and commitment. Looking ahead to 2026, we are in a stronger position, with a clear and hopeful vision to continue growing in a structured way, creating value for both our community and our team. 

Where do you envision your business being in the next three to five years?
MLMN: In the next three to five years, I see PH Montilla Services as a more structured company with greater reach, solid processes, and a strengthened team, consistently creating value for both our direct clients and the broader community. 

Interview with PBLN lender Giovannie Vilomar, microloan business consulting manager at Finanta

What makes initiatives like the PBLN vital for entrepreneurs?
GV: Small business owners, especially those growing for the first time, often face a gap between what a project actually costs and what a single loan can cover. Without a way to close that gap, owners underfinance. They fill it with credit cards or high-interest options that create new problems down the road. A network like PBLN gives owners a real path to the full investment a project needs, without that kind of risk.

How do participating organizations like yours find value in being part of the PBLN?
GV: The PBLN lets Finanta do more with the relationships we already have. We work with small business owners across Philadelphia through our affinity group lending (AGL) program. Owners work alongside a peer group, build credit, and get hands-on coaching in bookkeeping, marketing, and business finance. The program works. But there are limits to what a single loan can cover.

The PBLN changes that. When a City grant matches what we can lend, a project that would have been out of reach becomes possible. That’s what happened with Maria Linda Montilla Novarro of PH Montilla Services. She completed a second AGL cycle with a loan from Finanta, matched by a City grant. That combination funded a project she couldn’t have done with either piece alone.

Fund your business through the Philadelphia Business Lending Network

To begin your application, complete the online financing interest form. Once submitted, PBLN lenders will reach out to you directly.