Small Business
Every small business will at some point need financing. Whether startup or growth capital, money helps businesses take root and thrive.
Yet, nationwide many bright, budding entrepreneurs, especially entrepreneurs of color, face the challenge of accessing low-cost capital – they don’t have the experience, cash flow, credit profile, or equity needed for a traditional bank loan. Often this leads small business owners to predatory, expensive financing. In many cases, it means talented, hardworking entrepreneurs never see their dreams realized.
We invest in bright ideas and passionate people with vision and talent. We help diverse entrepreneurs build a thriving economy.
CDFIs provide safe, responsible options when banks won’t or can’t lend. We fill small business financing gaps, offering financing and technical expertise to help small businesses launch, grow, and succeed.
Capital Plus
More than capital providers, CDFIs are “Capital Plus.” We tailor loans to fit people not a credit box and offer training, coaching, and support for small business entrepreneurs.
Specialized Lenders
For decades, CDFIs have lent successfully to businesses in low-wealth communities. In 2021, certified CDFIs had more than $25 billion small business and microloans in their portfolios. With a cumulative net charge-off rate of less than 1%, CDFIs lend productively in low-income, low-wealth markets. CDFIs were also instrumental in delivering Paycheck Protection Program relief to very small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses, outperforming larger lenders.