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.
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.