April 9, 2015 Stories and Data

Built to Scale: Designing a Business with Scale in Mind
St. John Manor
Catonsville CO-OP brings together food, community, and local businesses
A Grand Opening Like No Other

Testimonials

Since its inception in 1994, PeopleFund – a CDFI and SBA Lender – has deployed more than $1.2 Billion in financial assistance in areas that needed jobs and revitalization in Texas. Almost 60% of this growth took place in the last 5 years. We are also the managing member of the Veteran Loan Fund, a collaborative effort of a growing number of CDFIs across the country supporting Veterans and Veteran spouses start and grow their businesses.

-Gustavo Lasala, PeopleFund, Austin, TX

As a Native CDFI, funding from the CDFI Fund provides Native communities with access to capital that would otherwise be unavailable. Due to the complexities of tribal lands, traditional banks do not offer the same financial opportunities. Native CDFIs, supported by the CDFI Fund, are bridging this gap by providing equitable access to capital in ways that were previously unheard of.

-Matthew Lewis, Four Directions Development Corporation, Orono, ME

The impact CDFI organizations make through their lending programs helps communities by providing financing that helps create or expand a small business, create or sustain jobs, and offers communities an expanded tax base.

-Phil Black, Community Investment Fund of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN