California Wine Concierge and Lounge Thrives with Support from Local CDFI
Client: The Artisan Pour
Client Location: Sacramento, CA
CDFI: TMC Community Capital
CDFI Service Area: California
Small business loans and financing
Based in Sacramento, California, The Artisan Pour is more than just a business—it’s a platform that amplifies and celebrates the histories of Black boutique wine brands. When Cynthia Brooks, founder of The Artisan Pour, sought to expand her business and establish the TAP Wine Lounge, a dedicated space for celebrating these often-overlooked brands, she looked for financing to support this new venture. However, she faced rejection and obstacles from traditional banks that are all too familiar for many entrepreneurs, especially entrepreneurs of color.
Cynthia discovered TMC Community Capital, a nonprofit CDFI committed to leveling the financial playing field for women-owned, low-income, and under-resourced small businesses in California, where she secured a $20,000 loan to support her business. This crucial funding enabled her to grow her business and solidify The Artisan Pour as an advocate for Black-owned wine brands in her community. Cynthia’s journey highlights the transformative impact community development finance has on small business owners and local economies across the country.
CDFIs Finance Economic Opportunity for Small Business Entrepreneurs
Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy. Securing financing, however, can present challenges and roadblocks to many entrepreneurs, specifically entrepreneurs of color. Without the experience, cash flow, credit, or equity, many get denied by traditional banks and financial institutions. This issue often leaves small business owners at the mercy of predatory lenders and high-cost financing.
CDFIs fill the gap to provide safe, responsible options for borrowers like Cynthia and The Artisan Pour that traditional banks do not reach. In addition, they also offer technical assistance and professional development tools to help small businesses grow and succeed. In 2021, certified CDFIs had more than $25 billion small business and microloans in their portfolios.
To learn more about how OFN and our network of CDFIs prioritize small businesses, visit our small business page.
To read other stories about thriving small businesses funded by CDFIs, visit our impact stories page.
Are you an OFN member CDFI with a great borrower story to share?
Your client success stories illustrate what it means to deliver opportunity for all. They help OFN demonstrate how CDFIs work to help create good family-wage jobs, decent affordable homes, healthy foods, greener neighborhoods, and so much more.
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