CDFIs: Supporting American Veterans

Many veterans entering civilian life face challenges securing stable housing, business ownership, and affordable credit. The following case studies highlight how CDFIs provide targeted financing and hands-on support that help veterans build financial stability, start and grow businesses, and secure safe housing for their families.

From a national Veteran Loan Fund platform supported by twelve CDFIs addressing a $100 million capital shortfall for veteran entrepreneurs, to a New Hampshire father who became a homeowner with just 2 percent down after sustained credit coaching, to the redevelopment of a Las Vegas motel into 56 affordable homes for veterans, these stories demonstrate the breadth of CDFI engagement. Additional examples show how CDFI financing supports veteran service organizations and facilities, ensuring that those who have served have access to housing, community, and opportunity.

Annual Impact: CDFIs provide financial products and services to hundreds of thousands of veterans each year.

Stories from the 2026 Progress Report

John Cathcart

Keene,
New Hampshire

New Hampshire Community Loan Fund

Veteran Becomes Homeowner

Veterans Village 4

Las Vegas,
Nevada

Clearinghouse CDFI

Financing Creates 56 Affordable Homes

American Legion Post 266

Westminster,
California

Clearinghouse CDFI

Loan for Blind and Disabled Veterans Facility

The Veteran Loan Fund

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, Appalachian Community Capital, BBIF, Business Impact NW, Colorado Enterprise Fund, Dreamspring CDFI, Justine PETERSEN, Pathway Lending, PeopleFund, Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation

CDFI Platform Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurship

Additional Veterans Stories

Ohio’s first Veterans Business Outreach Center to open this week

Dayton,
Ohio

Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI)

A nonprofit organization, the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) is joining forces with Wright State University to create a center dedicated to helping veterans start businesses through training, mentorship, community and business loans. It will open on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Wright State's Veteran & Military Center.

Connecting Veterans with Capital

Atlanta,
Georgia

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs

“With the continued support of ACE, I’ve been able to get back to my passion of serving the community and supporting youth with jobs as they build life skills.”

OFN Story: Ohio Veterans Expand Healthcare Access in Their Community With CDFI Investment

Girard,
Ohio

Valley Economic Development Partners

CommunityWorks supports Upstate Warrior Solution in Ownership of Veteran Center

Greenville,
South Carolina

CommunityWorks

CommunityWorks is thrilled to support Upstate Warrior Solution in assuming ownership of the Rupert Huse Veteran Center, which provides resources for workforce development, housing stability, and other services for local veterans. This milestone, not only marks a year of impactful service at the Rupe, but also signifies our commitment to supporting the critical work of the nonprofit community and collaborating with impactful organizations like Upstate Warrior Solution. Together, with our partners at South State Bank, we’re proud to invest in a brighter future for Upstate veterans and their families.

Mobile Drone Services

Boulder,
Colorado

Colorado Housing Enterprises

Mobile Drone Services provides precision aerial solutions to the commercial construction and industrial markets

The Main Point – Jacksonville Veterans Disability Services

Jacksonville,
North Carolina

Thread Capital

In 2009, Carmella George learned firsthand how difficult the VA landscape can sometimes be when her father, a Vietnam veteran, was struggling to gain access to services he needed. She stepped in to try to expedite his care. “When I saw what he was going through, I wrote Senator Burr and asked he if could help. My dad’s case was turned around in three months,” she told Spectrum News in an interview last year.

Eagles Healing Nest

Sauk Centre,
Minnesota

The Initiative Foundation

Aaron Starrett was 18 years old in 2009 when he left his hometown of Austin, Texas, for four years in the Air Force. He served as a munitions specialist in Korea and Germany, helping prepare aircraft with heavy explosives before leaving the military in 2014.

Lowcountry Veterans Home

Charleston,
South Carolina

South Carolina Community Loan Fund

On any given night, a homeless veteran can find themselves seeking out safe shelter in unconventional risky places.