Thank you to our partners at Inclusive and CDBA for sharing data on CDFI Bank and CDFI Credit Union branch locations. In addition, about 100 of our CDFI Stories come from OFN’s story database.
CDFIs are the oil in the engine of our economy. They support small businesses with patient flexible capital, when they need it the most; when they are starting out. Without support for these institutions, small businesses will be blocked by high fees, high interest rates, demand payments, and other predatory behavior that impedes and tanks their efforts to grow the US economy.
CDFIs fill a real need for underserved and impoverished communities. The need for affordable housing is making living difficult for most Americans. CDFIs responsibly use federal and private funds. In NH, CDFIs are serving both construction and immediate home placement needs.
I support CDFIs because they provide needed capital for small businesses and first-time homebuyers. This capital allows people to build wealth and/or provide a product/service to their community, which leads to economic prosperity for the local area. Because the financing is provided as a loan, clients are equally invested in the success of their home/business.
CDFIs are important for local economic development.