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 are boots on the grown and first responders standing by low-income communities every day, particularly during difficult economic times, to support small businesses with flexible loans and financial education and technical assistance. All this, to grow small businesses and feed the economy.
As a former executive of a CDFI I saw firsthand the job creation and the dreams of many clients supported by our organization. We hired amazing financial mission driven talent and we supported hard working entrepreneurs who were seeking opportunities in their community and for their families. The recent EO will not make America great again, it will hurt Americans who are resilient, innovative and a fabric of their communities.