Business Lending
Get the funds you need to grow your Alaska business with the local credit union you trust.
Terms and conditions apply. Subject to approval.
Lending for Alaska Businesses
Looking for the financial fuel you need to grow your business? Whether you’re looking to improve cash flow, invest in new opportunities or upgrade your operations, our flexible lending options are tailored to support a wide range of business needs, such as:
- Buying inventory
- Upgrading equipment
- Financing business vehicles
- Purchasing new equipment
- Boosting working capital
- Covering everyday business expenses
- And more!

Types of Loans
- Business Credit Card: Everyday business purchases
- Business Equipment: Heavy equipment, large commercial vehicles, etc.
- Business Unsecured: General business expenses without collateral
- Business Vehicle: Consumer style vehicle for business use
- Business Line of Credit: Working Capital (can be secured or unsecured)
Needed to Apply:
- Completed loan application
- Most recent 1 - 2 years tax returns (personal and business)
- Personal guarantees of all owners with 20% or more ownership
- Minimum time in business of 18 months with one full year of cash flow reported on a tax return
Our Underwriting Criteria:
- Primary Criteria:
- Minimum Global Debt Service Coverage Ratio (GDSCR): 1.25x
- Minimum Debt Service Coverage Ratio for the business (DSCR): 1.25x
- Minimum Credit Scores of Guarantors: 640
- Secondary Criteria:
- Minimum Net Worth: 2x loan amount
- Minimum Liquidity to Total Debt: 7%
What to Expect:
The process can vary depending on the request and ownership structure. Generally, you will need to submit an application and provide the necessary documentation, including 1-2 years of tax returns, for yourself, the business and all other owners of the business. Each owner will receive their own respective link to fill out the forms for the application. As long as all documentation is complete and submitted properly, you can expect a decision notification within one week.
| Business Vehicle | Business Equipment | Unsecured Loans | Line of Credit (Secured) | Line of Credit (Unsecured) | Business Credit Card | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Loan Amount | $150,000 | $150,000 | $150,000 | $150,000 | $150,000 | $50,000 |
| Minimum Loan Amount | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Collateral | Consumer-Style Vehicle | Equipment, Commercial Vehicle | Unsecured | Various Types | Unsecured | Unsecured |
| Maximum Term | 7 years | 7 years | 5 years | 3 years | 3 years | Open Ended |
| Maximum LTV | 110% | 80% | N/A | Varies | N/A | N/A |
Meet the Team
Doing business in Alaska comes with unique considerations, and our local team understands that firsthand. Credit Union 1’s Business Lending team partners with Alaska businesses to provide lending solutions shaped by local insight, experience and strong community connections. Connect with our local team today!
Danicia Shiryayev
VP of Business Services
Danicia Shiryayev
VP of Business Services
Raised in Alaska, Danicia brings a deep appreciation for community, collaboration, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the state. She is passionate about building strong local economies and believes that access to responsible, well-structured lending is a cornerstone of business success. Danicia is actively engaged in the business community, serving on the boards of Junior Achievement, the Anchorage Chamber and the Alaska Chamber.
With a strong focus on lending fundamentals, Danicia is dedicated to helping businesses grow sustainably, through thoughtful credit solutions, education and long-term partnerships.
Ciara Rosenbaum
Director of Business Lending
Ciara Rosenbaum
Director of Business Lending
Ciara serves as Director of Business Lending at Credit Union 1, where she has led the launch and growth of the organization’s business lending program since November 2024. Ciara is passionate about supporting small businesses and firmly believes that when small businesses thrive, communities thrive – and she is committed to helping make that happen.
Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Ciara comes from a large, close-knit family, and her roots shape her people-first approach to leadership, service and relationship-building. Ciara holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Southern New Hampshire University.
Melvin Charles
Business Loan Officer
Melvin Charles
Business Loan Officer
Melvin is a Business Loan Officer with a strong foundation in Commercial/Business lending. He brings a proven background in providing financing solutions that support business growth, stability and long-term success. Born and raised in Southcentral Alaska, Melvin is passionate about supporting local Alaskan businesses and understands the unique challenges and opportunities of operating in the state. He takes pride in building strong relationships with business owners and helping them reach their next mile marker through thoughtful, practical lending solutions.
Melvin is in his final year of Business Lending Certification School through America’s Credit Unions.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Sole proprietors, limited liability companies (LLC’s), nonprofits, corporations and partnerships.
-
Vehicle loans, Term loans (secured and unsecured), Line of Credit and Business Credit Cards.
-
Secured requires collateral. Collateral can be an asset the member has in possession that can be surrendered if the loan is unpaid.
Unsecured does not require collateral.
-
The maximum loan amounts are:
- Up to $150,000 for vehicle, equipment, unsecured and LOC's.
- Up to $50,000 for a business credit card.
-
Please contact CU1's Member Support Center at (907) 339-9485.
-
LTV stands for Loan-To-Value. LTV is a ratio that compares the loan amount to the collateral’s value. It’s calculated by dividing the loan by the collateral value. For example, with an $80,000 loan and collateral that values at $100,000, the LTV would be 80% ($80,000 ÷ $100,000 = 80%).
-
Set up automatic payments via online banking. You can choose the minimum or a higher amount of your choice to be withdrawn from the financial institution of choice.
-
No, CU1 does not charge prepayment penalties. You are also welcome to make payments larger than the minimum required amount, as well as additional one-time payments at your convenience.
-
- There is an origination fee of 1% of the loan amount/limit with a minimum of $500.
- When financing equipment, there may be small UCC fees involved.
- When financing a vehicle, there may be DMV registration/title fees involved.
Additional CU1 Business Options
We understand that as your business grows, so do its needs. That's why we're invested in meeting you where you are no matter what stage of the journey you're at. Whether just getting started, looking for new ways to scale or interested in investing, our local experts are here to help fit you with the tools to reach your financial goals.
Contact A Local Business Lending Expert Today
Contact Us
