Carolina Small Business Development Fund Stories and Data

Carolina Small Business Development Fund Stories

Overcoming Natural Disasters
Julie Painter, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and owner of Visage Salon, faced one of her biggest challenges yet when Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina.
Raleigh Rescue Mission
Raleigh Rescue Mission will build an 88,000 SF situational homeless recovery facility, an 18,500 SF children’s learning center, and open green spaces.
Nourish Up
Proceeds will fit out a 19,000 SF commericial kitchen for medically tailored meal production within a 90,000 SF food distribution facility, both of which address food insecurity for low-income people in Charlotte, NC.
OFN Story: North Carolina CDFI Brings Tourism and Jobs to Local Community
Campground in rural North Carolina attracts tourists who support the local economy and help create jobs for community members.

Carolina Small Business Development Fund Fact Sheet

Testimonials

We have seen thousands of businesses receive grants and loans through CDFIs that have gone on to become successful businesses, contributing significantly to their local economies. Most of these businesses would not have received this capital from other financial institutions, so without this CDFI funding these thousands of businesses would not have been started or would have run out of initial funding before hitting the critical mass necessary to be successful. It means thousands of businesses, employers and employees are now gainfully employed, contributing to the economy and paying taxes that otherwise would not have happened.

-Daniel Posse, LoanWell, Durham, NC

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.

-Manuel Campbell, ASPIRE Community Capital, Charlotte, NC

CDFIs provide access to capital for individuals who more traditional financial institutions would otherwise deny. The capital provided allows them to sustain or scale their business.

-Christopher Capel, Aspire Community Capital, Charlotte, NC

Map of Carolina Small Business Development Fund CDFI Branches and Stories