PDP offers small loans to entrepreneurs that they can use to start up or expand their businesses. Loans provided by PDP's lending arm, the Heldring Fund, can be used to purchase supplies, buy tools and computer equipment, make improvements to an office, print marketing material, obtain licenses and for a multitude of other business purposes.

PDP's loan offerings:

Peer Loans: Through PDP's signature program, Community Capital Works, entrepreneurs who become members of a chartered peer group are eligible to apply for loans graduating in steps from $500 to $5,000. Individual members must make loan requests through their business group.

The group as a whole decides whether or not to approve a loan. The borrower is not required to put up collateral or reveal their credit history. If approved by the peer business development group, Community Capital Works makes the loan to the individual entrepreneur.

The ability of each entrepreneur to apply for further loans is conditioned by their repayment record and that of their other group members. In this way, each entrepreneur is encouraged to support and work with each of the other individuals in his or her business group to ensure all can repay their initial loans. This methodology also provides the group members a strong incentive to make responsible choices when approving loans.

Small Business Loan: Entrepreneurs participating in either a peer group or individualized training are eligible for a direct loan product. The Small Business Loan (SBL) program offers loans that range from $1,500 to $25,000. SBLs are not tied to membership in a peer group and those applying will be assigned to work directly with a business development consultant. Unlike a peer loan, applying for a SBL will require a credit check and assignment of collateral.

PDP's Micro Equity Initiative:

PDP successfully addresses the cultural-specific concerns of entrepreneurs. One example of this is through the Micro Equity Investment (MEI), which was designed to meet the needs of the Muslim community and the cultural restrictions that prevent them from charging and paying interest on traditional loans. The MEI product's two key components include: 1) only the principal loan amount is due for repayment and 2) the entrepreneur executes a separate fee agreement and pays a set monthly service fee in lieu of interest.