MO08 Stories and Data

CDFIs support the needs of small businesses and consumers in rural, suburban, and urban areas across the United States. The designation is key to legitimizing and elevating our work with banks and other leveraged investors who align with our industry to bring affordable capital to markets that need catalytic investments to sustain and grow small businesses. These businesses create jobs, provide goods and services, and pay taxes that build strong communities. We need to preserve and grow the CDFI Fund for all Americans.

CDFIs in Missouri provide essential capital to help small businesses grow and contribute to the economy and their families. We must not delay in ensuring these critical organizations have the resources necessary to continue supporting the resilience of businesses, families, and communities across our state and our country.

Our organization serves entrepreneurs and small businesses in Southeast Missouri. Located in the 8th Congressional District, the poorest district in the state, our customers rely on our program and the funding available through programs like the CDFI to get started and stay open. While not a CDFI yet we have plans to apply for TA and move forward for certification this year.

I support CDFIs because they provide essential financial services to underserved communities, helping individuals and businesses access capital that traditional banks often overlook.