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 make a difference in people’s lives and in our communities. They encourage development and entrepreneurship that amplifies beyond the appropriations requested. Investing in the CDFI fund is an important investment that brings real, tangible results.
CDFIs support small businesses in ways that traditional financial partners are unable to. From flexible financing that supports growth, stabilize operations, and boosts local employment, to providing advice in all areas of business managements, to being there for the business owners as humans whenever needed. CDFIs are integral to the well-functioning of the financial system and of the economy as a whole.
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.
The impact that CDFI credit unions can make in lower income areas by providing financial tools for the community raises the financial independence of individuals in that area and then lessens the amount of ongoing aid that needs to be provided by the government directly to those communities.