New York Entrepreneur Enhances Urban Cities’ Climate Resilience with CDFI Support 

Sulman Usman, President and Co-founder of Adaptive Green, is transforming urban landscapes to combat climate change and stormwater issues. Born to Pakistani immigrants in New York City, Usman’s journey from his parents’ small business in Queens to leading an innovative green infrastructure company is a testament to the significant contributions of immigrants to the U.S. economy. 

Building Resilient Cities with Green Solutions  

Many old cities, including New York, have aging stormwater and sewage infrastructures that struggle to handle today’s intense and frequent rainfall, leading to frequent flooding, severe infrastructure damage, and even death. Climate change exacerbates these issues, making urban areas increasingly unprepared for rapid water influx. 

In 2016, Sulman co-founded Adaptive Green to address stormwater management in urban areas, improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and create beautiful spaces. From design to maintenance services, the company uses green infrastructure such as permeable pavements; green roofs, which use vegetation to absorb rainwater; and blue roofs, which store rainwater temporarily. These innovations help cities absorb and reuse rainwater more effectively, transforming urban areas into sponge cities.  

“Sponge cities are the cities of the future. New York has the opportunity to become a sponge city using green infrastructures by providing space for rainwater to be captured, stored, and released at a slower rate,” Sulman said.  

Adaptive Green has designed various green infrastructures on landmarks, including the United Nations, the Chrysler Building, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and more. Current projects involve creating a green space for New Yorkers as part of the restoration of Harlem Meer in Central Park and the South Battery Park resiliency project to make the city more sustainable and engaging for communities. 

The Central Park Conservancy Harlem Meer Center project is one of the largest capital investments into Central Park in decades. Credit: Adaptive Green

CDFIs Make Strong Partners for Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Sulman emphasizes the importance of partnerships in achieving Adaptive Green’s mission. One such crucial collaboration has been with community development financial institution (CDFI) and OFN member Accompany Capital. Indeed, when Sulman and his co-founder Jamison Hinder approached the private market, the terms were so onerous that, despite recognizing the business’s potential and market demand, they would have had to give up 30% of their company. 

“The challenge for us was finding funding partners who could see our growth potential, where we could be and be able to grow with us,” Sulman said during the 12th annual Immigrant Heritage Week Awards, hosted by the CDFI last April. “Accompany Capital provided that resource through the NYC Small Business Opportunity Fund and the SBA program.”  

Accompany Capital paves the way to prosperity for immigrant, refugee, and underserved entrepreneurs in the New York area, providing the financing and resources to bridge the gaps they often face. In 2024, the CDFI has supported Adaptive Green’s continued expansion with two recent loans. 

The Vital Role of Immigrants in the American Economy 

The nation is home to the largest immigrant population in the world. Immigrant-owned businesses generate substantial economic activity and create jobs, driving growth and innovation and contributing significantly across various sectors. 

Despite their contributions to the economy, immigrants face many challenges, including limited access to affordable capital and resources, language barriers, few visa options, restrictive policies, and more. 

“If you have this population in such a need for economic opportunities, from migrants to immigrants, the most American thing you can do is to mobilize them […] What is the American dream if there’s no access to it,” Sulman said.  

CDFIs’ support, like Accompany Capital’s, is vital in overcoming these obstacles. For more than 30 years, OFN has helped public, philanthropic, corporate, and private partners invest in CDFIs, creating economic opportunities for people and places that mainstream finance doesn’t reach. 

Learn more about Sulman and Adaptive Green!  

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Tags: Green or Climate Finance, Immigrant-Owned Business, SBA Loan, Small Business