CDFI are critical in our outline areas. The focus areas and collaborative efforts with tribal members continue to be a success.
CDFI are critical in our outline areas. The focus areas and collaborative efforts with tribal members continue to be a success.
As a certified CDFI and SBA lender, our organization directly serves the communities and businesses this administration is working to support. We provide capital to small manufacturers, job-creating entrepreneurs, and individuals acquiring businesses from retiring owners-the so-called “silver tsunami.” Our work helps keep vital businesses operating and people employed. CDFIs are a proven and effective mechanism for delivering capital where it is needed most. With continued federal support, we stand ready to expand our impact and remain on the front lines of economic development in underserved communities across the country.
Mary Stoick from Sunrise Bank in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the reason my family’s business, which had been in operation for 71 years, is still thriving. We were on the verge of collapse, and being evicted from our old location at that point made it even more challenging. In a desperate attempt to save our business, I decided to take a risky gamble and enter the food truck business. We were incredibly fortunate with the outcome of that decision. While our food truck business was thriving, we faced significant difficulties in finding a lender with fair pricing. Mary informed us that unfortunately, all the allocated funds for their tax credit loan had been exhausted, and they would no longer be able to provide us with funding through that avenue. She emphasized the slim chances of success, urging me to let it go, but I refused to give up. I relentlessly pursued her for days, and finally, something gave way. There were just enough funds to allow us to continue our family legacy. We are now approaching 80 years old, and I have a son. If he chooses to follow in our footsteps, he could potentially extend our business history to 125 years. None of this would have been possible without Mary and Sunrise Bank. This is not an exaggerated or fabricated story; it’s a true account of my life. Mary stands out among many as one of the few who genuinely cares for her customers, making her a rare gem. I sincerely hope that this allocation goes through so that she can continue to do for others what she has done for me.