CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) are essential for ensuring access to capital in underserved communities. These institutions are not just important; they are vital to the small business ecosystem and represent significant assets for our local and national economies. By supporting underserved entrepreneurs, we actively create opportunities for all and empower individuals to achieve the American dream of growth and prosperity.
It has been proven over the decades that the CDFI industry has been mega critical to the flow of capital in this country, specifically in disinvested communities. By appropriating at least $354M for the CDFI Fund, this directly supports the deployment and capacity building of not only CDFIs but the millions of small businesses that hire and create jobs, erect infrastructure, rebuild neighborhood corridors, and partner across industries for improved quality of life. If we are serious about reducing the wealth gap for increased positive impacts, supporting CDFIs is extremely important.
CDFI are critical in our outline areas. The focus areas and collaborative efforts with tribal members continue to be a success.