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.
Since its inception in 1994, PeopleFund – a CDFI and SBA Lender – has deployed more than $1.2 Billion in financial assistance in areas that needed jobs and revitalization in Texas. Almost 60% of this growth took place in the last 5 years. We are also the managing member of the Veteran Loan Fund, a collaborative effort of a growing number of CDFIs across the country supporting Veterans and Veteran spouses start and grow their businesses.
CDFIs have been essential vehicles for moving investment capital into communities that otherwise cannot access capital. We provide important technical assistance and financial support to grow businesses, finance projects, and revitalize communities thanks to investments from the CDFI Fund, which we then leverage with other private capital.
The shift in business models among banks and credit unions—along with ongoing consolidation and the retreat from rural markets—has left a growing number of entrepreneurs without access to traditional financing. In response, MoFi and other CDFIs have become critical entry points for future bank customers.
The work of CDFIs is critical to supporting credit in underserved communities.