UPI LOAN FUND Stories and Data

At Prestamos, we support CDFIs because they are a lifeline for underserved communities, providing access to capital and technical assistance where traditional financial institutions often fall short. CDFI funding enables us to offer flexible, culturally competent lending and support services that help small businesses grow, create jobs, and build generational wealth. Without CDFIs, too many communities would be left behind in our economic recovery and growth. We are proud to be part of the solution that bridges this equity gap.

I believe in the power of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) because I’ve seen firsthand what access to capital-real, intentional, and responsible access-can do for small businesses, nonprofits, and communities that have historically been excluded from traditional financial systems. CDFIs aren’t just lenders. They are partners in shaping our economy. They take the time to understand the unique challenges that small business owners face when trying to grow and sustain their businesses. They don’t just look at a credit score; they look at the story behind the entrepreneur, the impact on the community, and the potential that often goes unnoticed. At Growth Partners Arizona, we align with this mission because we know that financial systems should work for communities, not against them. Supporting CDFIs means investing in businesses that create jobs, strengthen local economies, and build long-term wealth in places where it’s needed most. CDFIs are doing the work that big banks won’t, and that’s exactly why I support them. Because when capital is placed in the right hands, it doesn’t just fund businesses-it fuels movements, shifts power and transforms communities.

The AZ CDFI Network supports CDFIs because they are essential drivers of economic growth and stability across Arizona. In both rural and urban areas, CDFIs provide critical access to capital, credit, and financial services for small businesses, affordable housing developments, and community facilities. As a statewide coalition of community-focused lenders, we see firsthand how CDFIs strengthen local economies, support entrepreneurs, and create jobs. Continued investment in the CDFI Fund ensures that communities across Arizona have the resources they need to grow and prosper.