What joining gets you:
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Pre-qualified leads — at no cost to you.
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Access to the LMI market — roughly 45% of any community — that traditional financing often can't reach.
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100% guaranteed payment.
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Free co-marketing and inclusion in the EarthWise contractor directory.
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Training and project management support from our team.
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A partner who handles the financing so you can focus on the work.
TOP 7 Reasons to Join Contractor Network
Make more money without changing the way you do business
Finance jobs that you couldn’t before.
Access the LMI market which is approximately 45% of any community.
No dealer fees.
Work with a trusted nonprofit to really help local families by creating safer, healthier, greener, and more comfortable homes.
Receive pre-qualified leads for free.
Guaranteed payment.
To join, you'll need:
→ Current General Liability Insurance
→ Current Workers Compensation Insurance (or Exemption Certificate)
→ Signed W-9
→ State specialty license or current Occupational License
As the authorized agent for this business, please be prepared to submit the required credentials and to acknowledge the Terms and Conditions for the completion of the application.
Our Partners
Groundswell Capital is partnered with a number of national nonprofits and membership organizations with decades of combined experience in clean energy financing to better serve Arizona. EarthWise is a collaboration with SELF, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Specializing in Equitable Green Lending.
How else can we support your business?
Groundswell also offers small business loans through our AVANZA fund — loans from $2,500 to $150,000 for Arizona businesses with 12 months of revenue. As a contractor in our network, you're already in the door.
Learn more
FAQS
What does Groundswell Capital do?
Groundswell Capital is an independent, nonprofit, community-based lending organization focused on financing that promotes access to capital and energy efficiency, clean energy alternatives, storm protection, water conservation, and disability products. Through this program, Groundswell Capital provides homeowners with building science expertise, project management, and access to low-cost capital to help identify and finance sustainable home improvement projects.
Is there a fee to become an Approved Contractor?
No. Groundswell does not charge any application or annual fees to become an Approved Contractor.
Is there a fee to utilize Groundswell's financing?
No. Groundswell does not charge the contractors any fees to use Groundswell Capital financing.
How can Groundswell Capital help my clients?
Groundswell is an alternative financing source for clients who may not qualify for a traditional loan at a bank or through financing programs established through the contractor’s company.
How can Groundswell help our business grow?
Groundswell gives opportunities to clients who may not qualify for the financing offered by the contractor or traditional banks. As an alternative financing source, more clients may be approved rather than denied. This will increase sales. We may also be able to provide your business with a separate small business loan through one of our other programs if you qualify.
How can Groundswell help our business grow?
Groundswell gives opportunities to clients who may not qualify for the financing offered by the contractor or traditional banks. As an alternative financing source, more clients may be approved rather than denied. This will increase sales. We may also be able to provide your business with a separate small business loan through one of our other programs if you qualify.
How do people apply for the program?
Clients can apply by visiting our online application or by contacting us.
How do I apply to become an Approved Contractor?
Clients can apply by visiting our online application or by contacting us.
How do contractors get paid?
Once a loan is approved and closed, the contractor receives a Notice to Proceed (NTP) email and the work can then commence. Once the installation is complete and inspected (if applicable), the contractor submits the final paperwork to Groundswell and the payment process begins. Payments can take up to five business days to appear in your account. Contractors may receive a check in the mail or, in order to receive payments quicker, submit a Direct Deposit Authorization form to Groundswell.
Does Groundswell offer monetary draws to help with upfront project cost?
Yes, up to 30% of the project total, but an application for the Contractor Advance Financing has to be completed, submitted, and approved by Groundswell management. Specific terms apply. Contact the Groundswell office for more details.
Where do you lend? (geographically)
Our focus is Arizona.
Is there an income cap for clients to qualify?
No. Anyone can apply for financing as long as they own the home, have provable income, are current on property taxes, and have disposable income to pay back the loan.
What types of improvements do you finance?
Groundswell Capital finances over two dozen types of improvements promoting energy efficiency, clean energy alternatives, storm protection, water conservation, and disability products. Some of the top financed products include but are not limited to air conditioners, insulation, roofs, doors, windows, solar water heaters, solar PV, weatherization, and much more.
What are your interest rates?
Interest Rates range from 5% – 10.5%. *Interest rates depend on available funding and the terms set by Groundswell funders.
How long does the process take for a client to become approved?
The process to become approved can take 24 hours to one week. It all depends on the client response, requested and/or required document submission, and information provided.
Can anyone apply?
Qualifications to apply:
-Must be the, or one of the, homeowner(s).
-Must be current on property taxes.
-Must have provable income. (wages, retirement, disability, etc.)
-Must be able to have the disposable income to pay back a loan.
What are the credit criteria for applicants?
Groundswell accepts all applications regardless of credit. A co-signer may be required based on credit history or the type of product being financed. A full evaluation is conducted by the underwriting team and a final decision is made based on a combination of factors.
Do contractors receive a referral or finder’s fee per client that is referred and who gets financed?
No, not from Groundswell Capital.
Groundswell does, however, have a Contractor Network that Groundswell Approved Contractors can become a part of in order to use our No Dealer/Merchant Fee financing for their customers. This is a service that Groundswell provides.
If you’d like more detailed information, please contact the Groundswell office.
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