Valley First Credit Union Provides Microloans Under $50,000 to Help Central Valley Small Businesses Grow

MODESTO, CA, October 19, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Valley First Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving more than 81,000 members across 12 counties in California’s Central Valley, provides commercial financing for local small businesses, including microloans of less than $50,000 to support smaller businesses with straightforward financing needs.

The Modesto-based credit union is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a U.S. Treasury Department designation for organizations that serve economically distressed communities, and is a U.S. Small Business Administration Preferred Lender. Valley First is also designated as a Juntos Avanzamos credit union, part of a national network focused on financial inclusion in Latino and immigrant communities. 

“The Central Valley is California’s best-kept secret,” said Kathryn Davis, president and CEO of Valley First Credit Union. “It’s one of the most rural parts of the state with lots of small farming communities. However, the area is growing rapidly because it’s less expensive, making it easier to do things like buy a home and raise a family. At the same time, there are not many banking options here for small businesses and low-to-moderate income consumers.”

Since 1949, Valley First has played a crucial role in the region’s economy, investing in the success of both its members and their communities. The credit union provides everyday financial products such as checking accounts, auto and home loans, and credit cards. Unlike a bank, however, any profits the credit union makes are reinvested to benefit its members.

“It’s not just about offering lower fees and better rates,” said Davis. “It’s about bringing more value into our members’ lives. As a member-owned cooperative, we’re not thinking about making more money for a few high net worth shareholders. We’re thinking about all of our members and how we can help someone who has $500 in their checking account.”

These deep community relationships have earned Valley First widespread recognition, including “Best Of” honors from readers of 209 Magazine, Modesto Bee, and other local publications. For Davis, it’s the real-life impact of these community connections that matters most.

“We’re in the people business,” said Davis. “When you wake up every morning knowing you’re going to do something that matters, it gives you a sense of purpose. We get to help our members and their communities every day.”

Growing the Central Valley Economy

The credit union’s commitment to strengthening local communities extends beyond consumer banking and into Valley First’s commercial lending efforts. The credit union provides a range of commercial banking and lending services to the region’s many small businesses.

“Business funding is important in every community, but it’s particularly needed in the Central Valley,” said Davis. “The big banks can be reluctant to extend credit to local businesses here, because they don’t see how all the pieces of these rural economies fit together. We live and work in these communities, and we understand what they need to thrive. We see the impact of these loans every day.”

About Valley First Credit Union

Valley First Credit Union is a $1.110 billion, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative providing quality financial services to 80,000 members in the growing and diverse communities of Calaveras, Fresno, Kings, Kern, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Sacramento, Tulare, and Tuolumne Counties. With eight branches throughout the Central Valley, the credit union is committed to banking with a purpose — to better the financial lives of the people and businesses in the communities we call home. For more information, visit valleyfirstcu.org.

Media Contact

lsansen@valleyfirstcu.org