Podcasts about cdfis

Community development in America is at a pivotal moment. Long-standing federal programs that fuel homeownership, support small businesses, and promote neighborhood revitalization—especially in communities of color—are now under threat.But on today's sponsored episode, we'll hear how the people working on the front lines of equitable development are adapting, organizing, and doubling down on their missions. Guests on this episode include Nikitra Bailey, Executive Vice President at the National Fair Housing Alliance, which supports more than 170 member organizations nationwide; Dafina Williams, Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer at Opportunity Finance Network, representing over 470 CDFIs across the country; and Selina Pagán, Executive Director of the Young Latino Network, a grassroots group that has grown into a regional force for civic engagement in Northern Ohio.This sponsored episode was produced in partnership with Third Space Action Lab. Its Anti-Racist Community Development research project was developed with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. To learn more about strategies for advancing practical, concrete change in the sector, visit The People's Practice.

Sarah Halpern President and CEO of the Business Consortium Fund (BCF) and Triad Investments. Here's a summary of the key points discussed:

Sarah Halpern President and CEO of the Business Consortium Fund (BCF) and Triad Investments. Here's a summary of the key points discussed:

Sarah Halpern President and CEO of the Business Consortium Fund (BCF) and Triad Investments. Here's a summary of the key points discussed:

Improving job quality doesn't just benefit workers; it can also strengthen small businesses themselves and the broader communities they serve. Yet, many small business owners lack the resources and knowledge needed to improve the quality of their jobs. Trusted partners, like community development financial institutions (CDFIs), can make a meaningful difference.Through its Shared Success demonstration, the Aspen Institute's Economic Opportunities Program has had the opportunity to learn about the range of strategies CDFI business advisors have employed to encourage job quality among their small business clients. EOP's job quality advising guide, “Building Shared Success: A Guide to Small Business Job Quality Advising for CDFIs,” was developed in collaboration with business advisors based on this experience. Centered on business value, this guide provides tools, resources, and success stories that can help organizations working with small businesses coach clients on potential job quality improvements that can also enhance business resilience.This webinar, which EOP hosted on June 26, 2025, features highlights from the guide, as well as insights from CDFI leaders about their approaches to building job quality advising into their work. It features opening remarks from the Aspen Institute's Maureen Conway and Bryn Morgan, followed by a panel discussion with Amanda Blondeau (Northern Initiatives), Cynthia Murphy (Coastal Enterprises, Inc.), and Delphine Ntegeye (African Development Center).For more information about this event, including a transcript, speaker bios, and additional resources, visit our event page.For highlights from this discussion, subscribe to EOP's YouTube channel.Or subscribe to our podcast to listen on the go.Join us on Zoom on Tuesday, July 22, at 2 p.m. Eastern time, for our next webinar, “Fixing Work: Recent Lessons from the Field.”

Lorri Rishar Jandron, MBA, Owner & CEO, EDGE Partnerships, Lansing, Marquette, Chicago, along with Becky Burtka, VP of member engagement, Michigan Chamber, Lansing, MI. Co-Hosts of the new MBN show "BOLD LeadHERS" now into Episode 2. In this episode of Bold LeadHERS, Lorri headed to Mackinaw City and then over to the island for the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference. Lorri was able to interview State Representative Angela Witwer and Government Affairs Lead Manager at Lake Trust Credit Union Becky O'Connell. Co-host Becky Burtka was unable to attend the conference so in the beginning, Becky and Lorri sit down to discuss what Lorri hoped to achieve at the conference. Segments 2-5 are the pair of interviews from up on the island. Then to close the episode they meet up once again post conference to discuss Lorri's conversations with the guests. The main topic of this episode is the journey these women have been on in not only their career but their personal lives as well. Becky O'Connell was the first guest. She has two decades of public policy experience. She is a strategic and effective leader in government affairs and advocacy. As the Government Affairs Lead Manager at a credit union that is also a community development financial institution (CDFI), she develops and implements public policy strategies that support the financial well-being of members and communities across local, state, and federal levels Becky is also the past chair of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Health and Human Resources Policy Committee, where she shapes the chamber's policy agenda and influences the legislative process. She has a proven track record of achieving policy outcomes that benefit both the business and public sectors, such as securing a $10 million state appropriation for affordable housing, establishing a state fund for CDFIs, and creating a cottage kitchen law that removed barriers for food entrepreneurs. ● Where did your professional journey begin? ● How has your career path changed along the way? ● What personal changes did you go through over the years when it comes to your professional life? ● What plans do you have for the future? ● Who was your biggest inspiration when you first started your career? Who is it now? ● What is the best piece of advice you've received? ● What advice would you give your younger self? ● What project are you most proud of? ● Biggest factors that have led to success in your career path? ● What is the most important idea to share as a mentor? ● How do you participate in work-life balance? ● As a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated space, what challenges have you faced — and how have you overcome them? ● Is there a specific word that resonates with you when it comes to your leadership style? The conversation with St. Representative Angela Witwer included these questions: ● Where did your professional journey begin? ● How has your career path changed along the way? ● What personal changes did you go through over the years when it comes to your professional life? ● What plans do you have for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ● Biggest factors that have led to success in your career path? ● How do you participate in work-life balance? ● As a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated space, what challenges have you faced — and how have you overcome them? ● Is there a specific word that resonates with you when it comes to your leadership style?

Markets and our economy don't just happen — they're crafted. While we often hear about the “free market” as a natural force governed by the invisible hand, the reality is far more intentional. In the US, markets are shaped by the decisions of policymakers, business leaders, and advocates. These decisions determine who benefits, who bears the risk, and what goals we prioritize. Understanding markets means understanding the people who design them and the values that guide those choices. It's not just economics — it's about power, accountability, and the kind of future and economy we want to build.In his new book, “Marketcrafters: The 100 Year Struggle to Shape the American Economy,” Chris Hughes, economist, writer, and chair of the Economic Security Project, takes us on a journey through the modern history of American capitalism, telling the captivating stories of the most effective marketcrafters and the ones who bungled the job. He reveals how policymakers across the political spectrum have consistently attempted to organize markets for social and political reasons, like avoiding gasoline shortages, reducing inflation, fostering certain industries, fighting climate change, and supporting financial innovation. Hughes argues that by rediscovering the triumphs and failures of past marketcrafters, we can shape future markets to be more innovative, stable, and inclusive. This virtual book talk — hosted by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program on June 5, 2025 — features Hughes in conversation with moderator Natalie Foster, senior fellow with EOP's Future of Work Initiative and president and cofounder of the Economic Security Project.For more information, including a transcript, speaker bios, and additional resources, visit our event page.For highlights from this discussion, subscribe to EOP's YouTube channel.Or subscribe to our podcast to listen on the go.Join us on Zoom on Thursday, June 26, at 3 p.m. Eastern time, for our next event, “Advising Small Businesses on Job Quality: Lessons from CDFIs.”

Markets and our economy don't just happen — they're crafted. While we often hear about the “free market” as a natural force governed by the invisible hand, the reality is far more intentional. In the US, markets are shaped by the decisions of policymakers, business leaders, and advocates. These decisions determine who benefits, who bears the risk, and what goals we prioritize. Understanding markets means understanding the people who design them and the values that guide those choices. It's not just economics — it's about power, accountability, and the kind of future and economy we want to build.In his new book, “Marketcrafters: The 100 Year Struggle to Shape the American Economy,” Chris Hughes, economist, writer, and chair of the Economic Security Project, takes us on a journey through the modern history of American capitalism, telling the captivating stories of the most effective marketcrafters and the ones who bungled the job. He reveals how policymakers across the political spectrum have consistently attempted to organize markets for social and political reasons, like avoiding gasoline shortages, reducing inflation, fostering certain industries, fighting climate change, and supporting financial innovation. Hughes argues that by rediscovering the triumphs and failures of past marketcrafters, we can shape future markets to be more innovative, stable, and inclusive. This virtual book talk — hosted by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program on June 5, 2025 — features Hughes in conversation with moderator Natalie Foster, senior fellow with EOP's Future of Work Initiative and president and cofounder of the Economic Security Project.For more information, including a transcript, speaker bios, and additional resources, visit our event page.For highlights from this discussion, subscribe to EOP's YouTube channel.Or subscribe to our podcast to listen on the go.Join us on Zoom on Thursday, June 26, at 3 p.m. Eastern time for our next virtual event, “Advising Small Businesses on Job Quality: Lessons from CDFIs.”

The work of Community Development Financial Institutions intersects with an initiative led by the New York Fed's Community Development team to connect new sources of capital to community needs. In this episode, we hear from New York Fed President John Williams, Community Development leaders, and lenders, investors, and nonprofit leaders on the question: How can seemingly unrelated problem-solving efforts be combined to achieve better outcomes? For more, visit newyorkfed.org/podcast/cdfis-serving-the-underserved-and-making-missing-markets

A small subset of the U.S. financial system called Community Development Financial Institutions, or CDFIs, supports economic growth at the local level. The industry is comprised of different types of institutions operating in different ways. Each works to achieve a common mission: improving economic outcomes for underserved communities. Research from the New York Fed shows the industry is growing and changing. In this episode we hear from Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, the New York Fed team doing CDFI research, a researcher from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and CDFI leaders. Our guests speak about the impacts and challenges of mission-driven lending and opportunities to scale this work. For more, visit newyorkfed.org/podcast/cdfis-serving-the-underserved-and-making-missing-markets

Community Development Financial Institutions can grow out of the communities they serve; a financial version of neighbors helping neighbors. In local and national CDFIs, a sense of personal commitment and connection drives professionals to this work. In this episode, we hear from researchers, borrowers, and lenders about how mission-driven lending, financial inclusion, and technical assistance can transform lives and foster opportunity within historically underserved communities. For more, visit newyorkfed.org/podcast/cdfis-serving-the-underserved-and-making-missing-markets

In this episode, Jewel sits down with Justin Minott, VP of Membership at the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, for a deeply inspiring conversation on Black economic liberation, community transformation, and what it really means to be resourced, not just resourceful. Justin unpacks his global journey from Canadian roots to U.S. leadership, his early ventures in social impact and entrepreneurship, and the calling that led him to champion CDFIs—America's best-kept secret for community financing. With stories of real-world transformation, powerful capital deployment, and a vision to equip Black-led institutions with what they truly need, Justin offers a compelling look at how access, equity, and togetherness can reshape our financial future.   Join us ➡️ Black Executive Men on Linkedin ➡️ Apply here for Black Executive Men

This week, Sahra Halpern, who is CEO of the Business Consortium Fund, talks about a type of lender that is not particularly well known or well understood even among business owners. The Business Consortium Fund is a CDFI, or community development financial institution. Traditionally, many CDFIs, including Halpern's, have sought to serve underrepresented business owners who have struggled to get a traditional bank loan. In the current political climate, however, CDFIs are looking to reach a broader audience. In our conversation, Halpern talks about how CDFI lending differs from bank lending and what types of business should consider approaching a CDFI.

Job quality is vital not only for workers, but also for small businesses and communities. Yet too many jobs today miss the mark on one of the key characteristics of a good job: providing enough pay to live on. Only 56% of full-time workers in the United States make enough money to cover their families basic needs. This problem is particularly acute at small businesses. Nearly 60% of low-wage workers work at businesses with fewer than 100 employees, and 35% of low-wage workers work at micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Small businesses also struggle to address other characteristics of a good job, like providing adequate benefits, stable scheduling, and a positive work culture.Recognizing this context, in 2022, the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program (EOP) launched the Shared Success project, funded by the Gates Foundation. The project supports 11 community development financial institutions (CDFIs) across the country to integrate job quality support into their small business services with the goal of improving job quality for small business employees and building business resilience. Three years later, EOP has seen how grantees have used innovative approaches to recruit, advise, and incentivize small businesses to improve job quality.This discussion is the second of two panels from our event, “How Good Jobs Support Small Business Success: Lessons from the Shared Success Demonstration,” which took place on May 21, 2025 at the Aspen Institute's office in Washington DC. Our speakers include Viola Mai (Director of Development and Impact, ICA Fund), Betsy Biemann (Chief Executive Officer, Coastal Enterprises, Inc.), Barbara Magnoni (President, EA Consultants), and moderator Maureen Conway (Vice President, The Aspen Institute; Executive Director, Economic Opportunities Program).During this event, we heard from leaders of CDFIs, their small business clients, philanthropic supporters, and other experts, and we discussed the lessons learned from Shared Success, ranging from practical tips about strategies for engaging small businesses in discussions of job quality to the range of job quality improvements CDFI clients helped their businesses make. We hope you enjoy this important discussion on small business support strategies that help businesses and workers both thrive, achieving Shared Success.For more information, including a transcript, speaker bios, and additional resources, visit our event page. And add our first panel, “Driving Innovation in Small Business Lending: Examples of How Small Business and CDFIs are Working Together to Advance Job Quality,” to your podcast queue.For highlights from this discussion, subscribe to EOP's YouTube channel.Join us on Zoom on June 26 for our webinar on Advising Small Businesses on Job Quality: Lessons from CDFIs.

To say there is uncertainty in the credit union movement right now is an understatement. The NCUA shake-up has left many feeling… well, a bit shaken up. And though tax exemption and funding for CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) are protected for now, it's hard to say when “for now” might abruptly end. When compared to concerns about the NCUA and credit union tax status, there has not been as much outcry over the precarious future of the CDFI fund. Considering that only about 12% of credit unions are CDFIs, this makes sense, but the loss of funding could have significant ripple effects across the movement as a whole. In this episode, we talk to Armand Parvazi, Strategic Adviser at CUCollaborate and former Chief Administrative & Development Officer at New Orleans Firemen's Federal Credit Union, to get his take on this month's BIG question: Why does the CDFI fund matter and how can we engage the credit union movement in protecting it?

Job quality is vital not only for workers, but also for small businesses and communities. Yet too many jobs today miss the mark on one of the key characteristics of a good job: providing enough pay to live on. Only 56% of full-time workers in the United States make enough money to cover their families basic needs. This problem is particularly acute at small businesses. Nearly 60% of low-wage workers work at businesses with fewer than 100 employees, and 35% of low-wage workers work at micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Small businesses also struggle to address other characteristics of a good job, like providing adequate benefits, stable scheduling, and a positive work culture.Recognizing this context, in 2022, the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program (EOP) launched the Shared Success project, funded by the Gates Foundation. The project supports 11 community development financial institutions (CDFIs) across the country to integrate job quality support into their small business services with the goal of improving job quality for small business employees and building business resilience. Three years later, EOP has seen how grantees have used innovative approaches to recruit, advise, and incentivize small businesses to improve job quality.This discussion is the first of two panels from our event, “How Good Jobs Support Small Business Success: Lessons from the Shared Success Demonstration,” which took place on May 21, 2025 at the Aspen Institute's office in Washington DC. Our speakers include Maureen Conway (Vice President, The Aspen Institute; Executive Director, Economic Opportunities Program), Israel Flores (Business Services Director, Northern Initiatives), Tristan Bredehoft (Co-Owner and Founder, Cafe Rica), Laura Owens (Chief of Staff,  VChief; Consultant, Four Bands Community Fund), Eunice Straight Head (Co-Director, Oyate Studio), and moderator Lauren Starks (Director, Good Companies/Good Jobs, Economic Opportunities Program, The Aspen Institute).During this event, we heard from leaders of CDFIs, their small business clients, philanthropic supporters, and other experts, and we discussed the lessons learned from Shared Success, ranging from practical tips about strategies for engaging small businesses in discussions of job quality to the range of job quality improvements CDFI clients helped their businesses make. We hope you enjoy this important discussion on small business support strategies that help businesses and workers both thrive, achieving Shared Success.For more information, including a transcript, speaker bios, and additional resources, visit our event page. For highlights from this discussion, subscribe to EOP's YouTube channel.Join us on Zoom on June 26 for our webinar on Advising Small Businesses on Job Quality: Lessons from CDFIs.

Doing job quality work requires CDFI business advisors to broaden the conversations they have with business owners to include topics related to human resources (HR), employee management, and business operations and strategy. Lauren Starks, Director of Good Companies/Good Jobs at the Economic Opportunities Program, recently sat down with three Shared Success grantees—Tabin Tangila Mesu Kamba, Program Developer, Workforce Solutions at Coastal Enterprises, Inc., Dionne McGee, Consultant at Institute Capital, and Israel Flores, Business Services Director at Northern Initiatives—to discuss how their CDFIs advise small businesses on how investing in employees can allow for increased productivity and innovation, as well as business stabilization or growth. About Shared Success⁠Shared Success⁠, a project of the Economic Opportunities Program, works with community lenders to integrate job quality programming into their small business support services, demonstrating that improved job quality can support the needs of employees while helping small businesses succeed.About the Economic Opportunities ProgramThe Aspen Institute ⁠Economic Opportunities Program⁠ hosts a variety of discussions to advance strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy. To learn about upcoming events and webinars, ⁠join our mailing list⁠ and ⁠follow us on social media⁠.

In addition to their mission of providing financial services and products to people and businesses in low-income communities, many Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) consider themselves more broadly as vehicles for economic development in their communities. Beyond supporting business creation and growth, they support the creation of quality jobs for community members. Maureen Conway, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program, recently sat down with executives from two leading CDFIs and Shared Success grantees: Amanda Blondeau, the Chief Strategy Officer of Northern Initiatives (founded in the face of declining resource extraction in Michigan's Upper Peninsula), and Robert Boyle, CEO of Justine PETERSEN (founded to serve the greater St. Louis region). About Shared SuccessShared Success, a project of the Economic Opportunities Program, works with community lenders to integrate job quality programming into their small business support services, demonstrating that improved job quality can support the needs of employees while helping small businesses succeed.About the Economic Opportunities ProgramThe Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program hosts a variety of discussions to advance strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy. To learn about upcoming events and webinars, join our mailing list and follow us on social media.

A tool to help finance housing, business, and other community development projects on tribal land is in President Donald Trump's crosshairs. President Trump's executive order eliminates funding for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI). It's unclear what the order means in practicality. His budget reduces federal funding for CDFIs by almost $300 million. If the cuts to CDFIs are realized, it could significantly curtail progress on affordable housing, small businesses, green energy, and other projects.

A tool to help finance housing, business, and other community development projects on tribal land is in President Donald Trump's crosshairs. President Trump's executive order eliminates funding for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI). It's unclear what the order means in practicality. His budget reduces federal funding for CDFIs by almost $300 million. If the cuts to CDFIs are realized, it could significantly curtail progress on affordable housing, small businesses, green energy, and other projects.

The CDFI Fund is a proven driver of affordable housing in every state—red and blue alike. But now, this vital source of financing is at risk of federal cuts. In this episode, we highlight a project in Nashville, Tennessee, made possible by BlueHub Capital, a community development financial institution based in Massachusetts.In today's episode, we speak to Oscar Perry Abello, the author of "The Banks We Deserve," and with Karen Kelleher, president of the BlueHub Loan Fund, which recently helped finance a project in Nashville that converted two abandoned motels into affordable studio apartments. It's just one example of how community development financial institutions (or CDFIs) step in all overt the country, in red states and blue states, where big banks usually won't.It's also the sort of project that would be harder to finance if the Trump administration gets its wish to eliminate the CDFI Fund, the federal grant program that helps fund and support more than 1,400 CDFIs around the country. (Read our analysis of Trump's executive order on the CDFI Fund and what it means.) “The market is profit-driven and, to be honest, it's expensive to build housing,” says Kelleher, whose team makes about 30 loans a year to fund innovative projects like the adaptive reuse project in Tennessee. “The kinds of deals that we support…don't often pencil out without subsidy. That might be tax credits, it might be grants, it might be state funds, it might be local funds.”Making the math work can lead to transactions that are complex, risky – and unpalatable for many market-rate lenders. That's where CDFIs come in.“We and other mission-driven lenders and CDFIs really make it our business to understand those tools, those models,” Kelleher says. “We find ways to structure our financing so we can take risks and be at the table with the community or the developer who's trying to make something happen that the market won't make happen.”

Originally uploaded July 11th, re-edited April 22nd. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Elissa Sangalli, President/CEO, Northern Initiatives, Marquette, MI. Questions 1. Can you explain the significance of Michigan having the largest state-supported CDFI program in the nation? 2. How will the $19 million awarded in this second round of MEDC funding specifically impact Michigan communities? 3. How has MEDC's MI CDFI Fund impacted Northern Initiatives and other members of the coalition's ability to support underserved communities? 4. The FY2025 state of Michigan budget recently passed and the MI CDFI Fund was allotted $5M in funding. What specific initiatives or projects are expected to benefit most from this increased funding? 5. What role do you see CDFIs playing in the broader economic development of Michigan? $19 Million Awarded to 38 CDFIs to Support Underserved Borrowers Michigan Hosts the Nation's Largest State CDFI Fund, Granting Support for Underserved Consumers, Small Businesses, Affordable Housing, and Neighborhood Revitalization LANSING, MI, June 24, 2024 – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has awarded $19 million in grants to 38 Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFI) through the Michigan Community Development Financial Institution Fund Program (MI CDFI Fund Program). With this second round of funding, Michigan now has the largest state-supported CDFI program in the nation. In total, the MI CDFI Fund has awarded $84 million to 46 CDFIs. CDFIs are mission-based lenders that provide flexible and affordable financing to small and micro-businesses, first-time home buyers, affordable housing developments, and projects that revitalize neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and community spaces. CDFIs expand access to capital and the resources needed to grow communities by offering financial services, technical assistance, and more. The MI CDFI Fund is a grant program aimed at assisting CDFIs grow their lending capacity and meet the growing demands of underserved borrowers. To qualify for MI CDFI Fund grants, an organization must be a certified CDFI, in good standing with the US Department of Treasury, either be headquartered in Michigan or have a Michigan presence and commit to allocating no less than 80% of grant funds to support Michigan borrowers. “The MI CDFI Fund is critical to the loan programs our members provide throughout the state,” said Elissa Sangalli, Chair of the Michigan CDFI Coalition and President of Northern Initiatives. Michigan CDFIs have a big impact in communities throughout the state. According to MI CDFI Coalition research, Michigan's CDFIs have deployed more than $4 billion in loans in addition to accomplishing the following: Created more than 30,000 permanent jobs; Deployed $1.53B PPP loans to Michigan businesses and nonprofits, preserving 165,000 jobs; Developed or preserved over 14,000 housing units (72% affordable); and Supported over 7,000 small or micro-businesses. First-round funds from the MI CDFI Program are already being deployed into Michigan Communities. Chi Ishobak, Inc. has issued a loan to a tribal-owned small business in Fraser, Michigan to purchase equipment, allowing the business to increase production and boost revenue. Cinnaire created the Community Development Organization (CDO) Loan Pilot Program Second round MI CDFI Fund Program grants were awarded to dozens including: Cinnaire Lending Corporation Northern Initiatives Learn more about the Michigan CDFI Coalition and its members at www.micdfi.org and more about the MI CDFI Fund Program at https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/access-capital/cdfi-fund/

Glen speaks with Frank Diekmann, Founder and Publisher of the newly minted The CU Daily, about his latest venture and the need for “hard news” reporting in the credit union space. Also- a ray of light for CDFIs, grandstanding against paper checks, and splitting hairs on CBDCs.   Links related to this episode:   The CU Daily: https://thecudaily.com/   The CU Daily's article on Treasury's CDFI response: https://thecudaily.com/facing-budget-axe-from-wh-exec-order-treasury-says-cdfi-programs-should-remain/   Last week's discussion with Jason Stverak on tax status and CDFIs: https://www.big-fintech.com/defending-and-debunking-credit-unions-tax-status/   Trump's Executive Order supposedly eliminating paper checks from/to the Federal Government:  https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/modernizing-payments-to-and-from-americas-bank-account/   Reuters on World Liberty Financials proposed USD1 Stablecoin: https://www.reuters.com/technology/trumps-world-liberty-financial-crypto-venture-says-it-will-launch-stablecoin-2025-03-25/   Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday April 9 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/  Join us on Bluesky!  @bigfintech.bsky.social;  @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen); @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/

The Trump administration unexpectedly targeted the Community Development Financial Institution Fund, touching off concern among bankers and their representatives that the bipartisan program could be eliminated. Ryan Tracy, who covers financial regulation and banking for Capitol Account, explains what happened, why, and the future of CDFIs. We also discuss the latest legal maneuvers surrounding the CFPB, what Fed Gov. Michelle Bowman's nomination as vice chair for banking supervision means for community banks and more.

Glen connects with the Defense Credit Union Council's Jason Stverak to discuss the dual threats- not-for-profit tax treatment and CDFI designation- facing the industry, and the bizarre misrepresentations surrounding each. Also- Klarna's IPO parade, and an acclaimed entry in the Credit Union Film Festival.      Links related to this episode:   The Defense Credit Union Council: https://www.dcuc.org/   Jason's CU Insight article on the tax issue: https://www.cuinsight.com/banks-tax-hypocrisy-will-hurt-main-street-not-credit-unions/   CU Strategic Planning President Stacey Augustine's article on CDFIs: https://thecudaily.com/cdfis-the-impact-is-obvious/   Don't Tax My Credit Union website: https://www.donttaxmycreditunion.org/#take-action   This month's GAC interview with Americas Credit Unions' Economic Team: https://www.big-fintech.com/a-taxing-week-in-washington/   “The Barber of Little Rock”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1amOPUn49aM   Fintech Business Weekly's coverage of Klarna's IPO filing: https://fintechbusinessweekly.substack.com/p/klarna-files-ipo-paperwork-puts-pr    Join us for our next CU Town Hall- Wednesday March 26 at 3pm ET/Noon PT- for a live and lively interactive conversation tackling the major issues facing credit unions today. This session will feature cyber defense evangelist Roger Grimes on quantum computing and his latest book about combating social engineering/phishing. The Town Hall is free to attend, but advance registration is required:  https://www.cutownhall.com/  Join us on Bluesky!   @bigfintech.bsky.social  @154advisors.bsky.social (Glen)  @jbfintech.bsky.social (John) And connect on LinkedIn for insights like the Friday Fintech Five: https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-innovation-group/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbfintech/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/glensarvady/

Send us a textCliff Rosenthal literally wrote the book on CDFIs, community development financial institutions.  Hear his story in this podcast that dates back to 2019, episode 37 in the vaults.  Rosenthal was on the show last year - episode 311 - talking about a new book he co-authored with Michael McCray entitled Community Capital. It's part Rosenthal autobiography, part the sgtory of the death - the murder? - of an African AMerican credit union.  Hard hitting stuff.But the story starts here, in episode 37 and it now is our Greatest Hit  #24Listen up

Send us a textIn this episode of Badass Women in Business, we sit down with the unstoppable Madeline Reeves, Founder & CEO of Fearless Foundry. A fierce advocate for equity, transparency, and financial empowerment, Madeline shares her unfiltered journey—from struggling to balance ambition with life, to building a million-dollar business without the fairy tale myth of overnight success.She challenges outdated funding narratives, explains why women should be charging more, and dismantles the scarcity mindset that holds female founders back. We dive deep into pricing strategies, funding hacks, and how embracing community—not competition—is the key to growth. Plus, Madeline drops some serious truth bombs about corporate structures, burnout, and how she completely redefined the way she runs her business.This episode is a must-listen for any woman in business who's tired of playing small, ready to own her worth, and looking for real strategies to scale without sacrificing herself in the process.

  In the first week of a presidential administration marked by executive actions banning the education of Air Force members about the Tuskegee airmen, freezing scientific research grants at the NIH, immigration raids intended to fast-track deportation and the purging of DEI programs across federal agencies, remember that it is the nonprofit sector that continues to move democracy forward. In this episode of Power Station, we speak to Amir Kirkwood, CEO of Justice Climate Fund and a leader in the movement for climate and community-centered financing. Justice Climate Fund was awarded $940m, as part of President Biden's 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, to ensure the deployment of capital, primarily through CDFIs and nonprofit loan funds into communities plagued by generational disinvestment in housing, community facilities and public water systems. Amir brings deep experience, from executive positions in CDFIs, national and global banks to now leading the deployment and leveraging of capital into vulnerable communities. He shares how Justice Climate Fund and its community partners are meeting the moment to invest equitably and purposefully. As Amir says, this is forward-looking work with stories of success that need to be told. Let's amplify these stories whenever and wherever we can.    

Brian Love, Head of Banking & Fintech at Travillian, chats with Tom Ogaard, CEO of Native American Bank, about their efforts to boost economic opportunities in Native American communities. Native American Bank partners with other native loan banks and non-bank native CDFIs to bring financial services to reservation-based communities. They focus on projects such as healthcare facilities, housing, and economic development, aiming to create new jobs and improve the economic opportunities for tribes and tribal communities. Learn more about how Native American Bank is driving change through these strategic partnerships and innovative projects. Topics Discussed: Native American Bank's Mission and Access to Capital Projects and Partnerships with Native Loan Banks and CDFIs Addressing Housing, Health Care, and Economic Development Needs Key Issues in Native American Communities Optimism for the Future

In recent years several foundations have taken the lead in incubating new ideas around equity, environmental justice and U.S. community finance. One team that has taken a unique look at public finance and quietly and effectively changed the way municipalities approach health and outcomes is the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation. One of the impact project managers that is part of the team doing this is Zoila Jennings. We had the opportunity to sit down with Zoila and chat all things impact and learn a little bit more about what motivates her. Whether it is CDFIs as an asset class or liberation theology - we've got you covered in this week's Off the Cuff. This episode was edited by Adam Linder of Bespoken Podcasting. Enjoy!

Today, I'm excited to speak with Brian Argrett, Chair of the Board Directors and President and CEO of Broadway Financial Corporation and its banking subsidiary City First Bank, the largest Black-led minority depository institution (MDI) in the nation. Impact investing is an increasingly important topic for enterprise families and family offices. Our conversation today focuses on a truly unique and attractive avenue for positive impact available to enterprise families and family offices, which is made possible thanks to the Advancing Communities Together Deposit Program, or ACT – an innovative program that provides an easy and fully insured way for family offices to invest their excess cash directly in the financial institutions dedicated to lifting up communities in need. Brian describes the greater goals of the ACT program, why it is needed, what the issues or challenges it is meant to address, and what opportunities it is designed to unlock. The ACT Deposit Program was launched in the summer of 2024 by the national trade associations representing Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs). Brian explains how the ACT program works and defines the role of CDFIs and MDIs in delivering the intended impact and benefits of the program. He shares his views on why this program has strong appeal to family offices and enterprise families. Delving into the practical details of how the ACT program functions, Brian details the mechanics of the program, including some of the key elements family members and family office executives should be aware of, such as minimum deposits, interest rates earned, minimum maturity, etc. Brian also talks about what families and family office leaders can do to get involved with and take advantage of the ACT program. He offers an overview of existing resources and tools for them to get educated and ready to participate and contribute to the positive impact of this program. Enjoy this timely and informative conversation with a leading champion of the ACT program and long-time thought leader and practitioner in the impact banking space.

This is the Women of Influence Podcast series, delivering next level insights and expertise live from GlobeSt.'s Women of Influence Conference.The Women of Influence Podcast Series is an exclusive mini-series of The Crexi Podcast, an insider's look at all things commercial real estate, produced in collaboration with GlobeSt. The Crexi team visited Women of Influence and recorded in Lake Tahoe, California, from the floor of the conference, highlighting movers and shakers in commercial real estate. The Crexi Podcast explores various aspects of the commercial real estate industry in conversation with some of the top professionals in the space. In each episode, we feature different guests to tap into their wealth of CRE expertise and explore the latest trends and updates from the world of commercial real estate. In this episode, Crexi's Shanti Ryle sits with DeLea Becker, Founder and Owner of Beck-Reit Commercial, and Barbara Morrison, Founder and President of TMC Financing, to cover wide-ranging topics, including:Introduction to The Crexi PodcastMeet DeLea Becker: Background and AchievementsDeLea Journey into Commercial Real EstateNavigating the Great RecessionTransition to Commercial Real EstateThe Importance of Long-Term VisionEmpowering Women in Commercial Real EstateAdvice for Aspiring InvestorsConclusion and Contact InformationMeet Barbara Morrison: A Pioneer in Small Business AdvocacyThe Journey of TMC FinancingExpanding Impact: Working Solutions and TMC Community CapitalBarbara's Early Career and Civic LeadershipBarbara's Path to Commercial Real EstateUnderstanding the SBA 504 Loan ProgramTrends and Insights in Small Business Real EstateAdvice for Aspiring Women EntrepreneursConclusion and How to Connect with Barbara About DeLea Becker:DeLea Becker is the Founder & Broker of Beck-Reit Commercial & Beck-Reit Asset Management. In addition, she owns with her husband, a 25-year-old Heavy Highway Civil Construction Company, Beck-Reit & Sons, Ltd which specializes in TxDOT road & bridge repair.Her experience in Commercial Real Estate started as an investor and developer. She has vast knowledge in the greater Austin area real estate market with expertise in East Austin. She seeks to purchase Income Producing Properties across Texas, Vacant Properties to tenant in Central Texas, and Old Buildings to gut and rehab in Austin Texas. She lowers her risk exposure in investing by having her companies manage all aspects - Brokerage, Property Management & Construction. DeLeas's focus is growing her personal CRE portfolio while the majority of her brokerage clients are serviced by Brokers she has working for her company.DeLea actively champions women with careers in Commercial Real Estate to become active investors with their knowledge and expertise. Real Estate has proven through history to be an excellent path to growing wealth, DeLea is adamant that women get in the game.DeLea is a member of many professional organizations that are specific to Commercial Real Estate and Business. She has been honored with awards from Austin Business Journal, Bisnow, CREW, CCIM, WRECONF, CREi Summit, Otso Influencer, and the National Association of Realtors.About Barbara MorrisonBarbara Morrison, a Bay Area small business advocate and civic leader, is the founder and president of TMC Financing, a certified Development Company that provides SBA commercial real estate financing.In 1981, Barbara founded TMC Financing to provide access to affordable capital with the SBA 504 loan program for small business owners to purchase the real estate utilized by their business. From just 6 employees lending in the 9 Bay Area counties, TMC has grown into the largest CDC in the nation, providing financing for small businesses in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Hawaii.  Under her visionary leadership, TMC has facilitated over $14 billion in SBA commercial real estate loans for over 7,000 small businesses, leading to the creation of an estimated 60,000 jobs.Recognizing the needs of smaller entrepreneurs, not able to take advantage of the 504 program, Barbara expanded her impact by founding Working Solutions a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), in 1999. This initiative addressed the financing gaps faced by start-ups, women, minorities, and low-income businesses unable to access conventional funding sources. Working Solutions was “incubated” in the TMC office until it grew into self-sufficiency.  Today, it is one of the most successful CDFIs in the country.In 2018, repeating the method of incubating another nonprofit, Barbara founded TMC Community Capital (TMC CC), an online, technology-based microlender. Since its inception, TMC Community Capital has disbursed over $7 million to approximately 350 businesses, providing crucial support to under-served entrepreneurs. Notably, 82% of the loans facilitated by TMC CC supported entrepreneurs of color, while 56% benefited women-owned businesses and 75% aided business owners with low-to-moderate income levels.Morrison developed her passion for small business economic development early in her career while serving as deputy director of the Mayor's Office of Economic Development in San Francisco.A former mayor and city council member for the city of Belvedere, Morrison has been widely recognized for her advocacy for women and small business owners, as well as the leadership she provided for many community organizations.Currently, Barbara participates in several influential organizations, including the Oakland Chamber of Commerce and the International Women's Forum (IWF). Her engagement in these organizations reflects her ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth, supporting entrepreneurship and helping local communities grow and thrive.About GlobeSt. Women of Influence: The Women of Influence Conference is an exclusive two-day event that celebrates the women who drive the commercial real estate industry forward. These influential leaders will discuss the critical issues facing CRE now and in the future, what it means to be a woman in business today and how women CRE leaders can uplift and support each other on their journey to the top.  If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our newsletter and enjoy the next podcast delivered straight to your inbox. For show notes, past guests, and more CRE content, please check out Crexi's blog. Ready to find your next CRE property? Visit Crexi and immediately browse 500,000+ available commercial properties for sale and lease. 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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we're re-releasing this insightful episode with Natalia Rodriguez-Hilt, Senior Director at Raza Development Fund (RDF). Natalia discusses how RDF unlocks the $2.1 trillion revenue potential of Latino-owned businesses through creative financing solutions, including equity-like revenue-based loans. She also highlights the crucial role of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and the importance of empowering under-resourced entrepreneurs to drive meaningful economic change.

In this episode of Capitol Gains, hosts Matt Posner and James McIntyre explore the pivotal role Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are playing in driving the clean energy transition. As CDFIs shift from their traditional focus on affordable housing and small business lending, they are stepping up to help deploy billions of dollars from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) under the Inflation Reduction Act. Joining the discussion is Oswaldo Acosta, CEO of City First Enterprises, who shares insights on how CDFIs are uniquely positioned to democratize access to the green economy. Acosta explains how CDFIs, with their deep community ties, are bridging the equity gap in clean energy finance, ensuring that historically underserved communities can benefit from the clean energy revolution. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear about the challenges and opportunities CDFIs face in scaling up for this new role, including developing innovative financial products, navigating federal regulations, and building partnerships with commercial banks and private investors. The views expressed are solely those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or other associated parties. Adam Linder of Bespoken Podcasts edited this episode.

As storms and fires keep coming, emergency loan funds from CDFIs are helping low-income communities get back on their feet.

In America, small business and entrepreneurship is venerated and often romanticized in popular culture and by the media and politicians. But for aspiring entrepreneurs who are not wealthy or well connected, starting a new business is fraught with challenges and inequities. The data reveals that 85% of our businesses are microenterprises, companies of five or fewer people, launched with $50k or less, often without access to traditional bank products and capital. Unlike tech guys launching a start-up with Silicon Valley investments, these entrepreneurs are often people of color striving to build wealth, generate family legacies and create jobs. What they need, from coaching to capital and community can be found in The California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO), a powerful network of 400 CDFIs, community lenders, small business and women's business centers that make success possible for those whom banks do not serve. In this episode of Power Station, Carolina Martinez, CAMEO's exceptional CEO, shares what it takes to build a thriving ecosystem of support for entrepreneurs of color, including policy advocacy and an insistence on corporate accountability. Do not miss this masterclass on how change is made.    

Natalia Rodriguez-Hilt is the Senior Director of UnidosUS Affiliate Development and Small Business Strategies at Raza Development Fund. Natalia is a seasoned expert in economic and community development, with a passion for driving economic opportunity for entrepreneurs in underrepresented communities. We discuss how RDF unleashes unleash the power, potential and promise of Latino and other under-resourced communities to accelerate the $2.1 Trillion Dollar incremental revenue potential of Latino-owned business. WE talk about the need for creative financing to enable that growth (such as Equity-Like revenue-based loans), the role of CDFIs and how to empower entrepreneurs to ignite change.

America's green bank – officially known as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund – is ramping up. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, the federal government is sending $27 billion to a network of non-profit organizations, state green banks, and local private lenders to fund distributed energy projects.  The pressure is on to invest those dollars quickly and efficiently. The GGRF won't be considered successful if it only deploys that $27 billion – it will be successful if it catalyzes 5x more in capital deployment.  That means building a transparent market with uniform lending standards for CDFIs and local banks – lenders that may be touching solar, storage or other distributed energy deals for the very first time.  The money is headed out the door. Are lenders ready to deploy it?  This week, we're featuring a conversation with Amanda Li of Banyan Infrastructure and Billy Briscoe of the Clean Energy Fund of Texas. It was recorded live as part of Latitude Media's Frontier Forum series.  We'll unpack the details, the urgency, any potential gaps, and the stakes for building a market. This episode was produced in collaboration with Banyan Infrastructure. Read more of Banyan's insights into the GGRF here.

In this episode, Andrea Longton, a distinguished author and seasoned social justice investor, shares her wealth of knowledge from years of experience at the crossroads of finance and impact. She discusses her work on renewable energy projects in Africa and her strategic shift to community development finance in the U.S. Why Take a Listen: 1. International Development Financing    - Andrea's Career Journey: Explore Andrea's diverse career, from international project development to domestic financing. She provides a detailed look into sustainable energy projects and community-centered financial solutions.    2. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) & Social Justice Investing    - Role of CDFIs: Understand the pivotal role CDFIs play in underserved communities and how social justice investing can drive both social and climate justice outcomes. Andrea highlights key mechanisms such as community loan funds, venture capital, and crowdfunding.    3. Networking & Professional Relationships for Social Impact Careers    - Building Strong Networks: Andrea shares essential advice on cultivating professional networks in social change sectors. She emphasizes aligning authentically with an organization's mission and how effective networking can open doors in social justice finance. 4. Advice for Aligning Finance and Values    - Balancing Financial Returns and Impact: Andrea offers insights on how to balance financial returns with impactful investments that align with your values. Learn strategies to ensure your financial decisions support both personal and societal goals. This episode is filled with practical tips, real-world examples, and inspiring insights. Don't miss out on Andrea Longton's journey and expert advice on merging financial returns with impactful, justice-driven investments.   Check out her website, podcast and Book the Social Justice Investor Bio: Andrea Longton is an award-winning author and professional social justice investor. She has raised over $1 billion for social justice investments in the United States and has advised on another $1.5 billion worldwide. In addition to her professional experience, Andrea manages her family's finances, including their own social justice investment portfolio. Her professional experiences include positions at Opportunity Finance Network, Freddie Mac, Capital Impact Partners (now Momentus Capital), and Delphos International. Andrea holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder designation from the CFA Institute (Charlottesville, VA), a BA from Centre College (Danville, KY), and an MA from The George Washington University (Washington, DC). Andrea is the founder and author-administrator of "The Social Justice Investor" website and cohost of "Renegade Capital: The Activist's Podcast for Finance and Investments." She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children  

Ever think about what your bank is doing with your cash? Whether your bank uses the cash in your checking and savings account to fund fossil fuel companies or gun manufacturers, the reality is that the banks are using their own set of societal values to deploy our cash every single day.In today's episode, let's talk about community focused, mission driven banks that might actually share your values! The cash sitting in our bank accounts can be used to fund affordable housing in our communities, or to inject cash into small businesses that have traditionally been locked out of traditional capital.The point is, we have options! Tune in this week to learn more!Links from today's episode:Understanding CDFIs and their impact | JP Morganhttps://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/real-estate/community-development-banking/what-is-a-community-development-financial-institution-cdfi Banks Can Deliver Both Social Impact and Profits. Here's How | Boston Consulting Grouphttps://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/balancing-social-impact-and-profits-with-bankingICYMI another episode you might enjoy:Episode 31 (recorded before the 2024 rebranding of this show) https://pod.link/1577031108/episode/ae16a1239e052b0da35e0eb6e8999e99 Connect With Genet “GG” Gimja:Website https://www.progressivepockets.comTwitter https://twitter.com/prgrssvpckts Work With GG:Email progressivepockets@gmail.com for brand partnerships, business inquiries, and speaking engagements.Support the show

In this episode, host David Ponraj is joined by Tarsha Hearns, Sr. Director at The DEC Network in Dallas, TX. Together, they shared the progress of our exciting, collaborative initiative to support underrepresented founders in Dallas. The Dallas-based Entrepreneur of Color Credit Enhancement Fund study was launched in 2023 with an anticipated fund implementation in the fall of 2024. This fund is a partnership between The DEC Network and Economic Impact Catalyst, with generous support from JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Kellogg's Foundation, and TD Jakes Foundation. Tarsha Hearns knows these challenges all too well. As an entrepreneur of color herself, she has lived the same struggle to access capital holding back so many others. During a recent conference session, Hearns provided raw insight into how DEC is working to change the status quo for diverse founders in Dallas. As Hearns explains, DEC undertook extensive research to unpack why so many minority and women entrepreneurs in the city could not access loans or investments. They conducted focus groups, surveys, and outreach to both business owners and the ecosystem meant to serve them.The findings revealed a complex web of disconnects that contribute to capital gaps in Dallas's historically underserved neighborhoods. Many local community development financial institutions (CDFIs), despite a mission to provide equitable funding access, were still rejecting minority applicants at concerning rates. This is often tied to issues like low credit scores or lack of traditional collateral -systemic barriers that disproportionately impact entrepreneurs of color.Faced with this reality, The DEC spearheaded the creation of a novel, ecosystem-based solution: the Inclusive Entrepreneurial Capital Initiative. Recognizing the need for alignment, this initiative brought CDFIs and banks together with small business support organizations on the front lines in underserved neighborhoods.The fund plays a crucial role in promoting equitable access to funding by offering tailored lending, products, and programs that address the unique capital access gaps that exist for entrepreneurs of color, while recognizing the specific needs and concerns of the Dallas entrepreneurial community. The Dallas Entrepreneur of Color Credit Enhancement Fund is at work to shape the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs.The DEC website: https://thedec.co/ Recent Press about the Fund: https://dallasinnovates.com/bank-of-america-supercharges-the-dec-network-mission-with-120k-for-entrepreneurs-of-color/ Connect with Tarsha Hearns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarshapolkhearns/

Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Jennifer Hayes, Senior Vice President, Operations & Policy from Invest Detroit Jennifer and Jeffrey had a discussion about the Michigan CDFI Coalition. Michigan Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Coalition is celebrating its one year of operations. The coalition is committed to providing financial resources to underserved borrowers and supporting economic growth in Michigan. Here are some key talking points to highlight the achievements and goals of the Michigan CDFI Coalition: Jennifer could you tell the Michigan business community about the Mission and Objectives of Michigan CDFI? MICDFI Coalitions' overall mission is to increase awareness of CDFIs, expand programming to support more borrowers, businesses, and projects, and continue to support economic growth throughout Michigan. What's the Role of CDFIs? CDFIs as mission-based lenders, providing flexible and affordable financing to underserved communities, small businesses, and affordable housing projects. CDFIs are particularly integral in reaching borrowers who often cannot access traditional bank financing. What's the Impact in Michigan? To date, Michigan's CDFIs have deployed more than $4 billion in loans throughout the state and have made the following impact: ● Created almost 30,000 permanent jobs ● Developed almost 23 million square feet of real estate ● Over 14,000 total housing units, 72% affordable ● Supported over 7,000 small or micro-businesses ● Created the largest state CDFI fund in the nation with $85 million to date. CDFIs also played a significant role in providing Michigan small businesses and nonprofits access to the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans and serviced $1.5 billion in loans, preserving 165,000 jobs. In FY 2021, MI CDFIs deployed $1.4 billion in loans. ● Michigan CDFIs support several areas of the economy including: ○ Small and Micro-Businesses. ○ Single, Multi-Family, and Affordable Housing. ○ Real Estate and Mixed-Use Projects. ○ Consumer Loans and Banking Products. ○ Non-Profit Projects, and more. ● MICDFI Coalition has been integral in the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. ● Have supported small businesses and nonprofits statewide through the servicing of $1.5 billion in loans. Tell us about Statewide Support and Advocacy? MICDFI Coalition has had support from the following organizations and individuals: ● State Senator Mary Cavanagh, CEED Lending, Chi Ishobak, Cinnaire, Core Community Partners, Detroit Development Fund, Grow, Invest Detroit, Michigan Community Capital, Michigan Credit Union Foundation, Michigan Women Forward, Northern Shores Community Development, Inc., Northern Initiatives, Opportunity Resource Fund, ProsperUs Detroit, Rende Progress Capital, Venture North, Capital Impact Partners, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, ELGA Credit Union, IFF, Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund. And if the listeners care to learn more About Michigan CDFI Coalition how might they do so? The Michigan CDFI Coalition was founded in 2022 with a mission of bringing Michigan CDFIs together to collaborate on the development of inclusive policies, deliver vital programs, and bolster their efforts in community investment across the state of Michigan. Prospective Michigan CDFI partners, communities, and individuals can learn more about the Michigan CDFI Coalition by visiting www.micdfi.org. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

On this 300th episode of Power Station, I am joined by my friend and colleague John Holdsclaw. Over the twenty plus years I have known John he has excelled as an organizer, public policy advocate, and leader in financial services that deepen racial and economic equity in under-resourced Black, Latino, Indigenous and AAPI communities. John launched Rochdale Capital, an emerging CDFI, with its strategic partner, National Cooperative Bank, to provide capital to enterprises, from affordable housing to health centers and grocery stores, structured as cooperatives and other forms of shared ownership. He views CDFIs not as an industry but as a movement that uplifts communities traditional banks have failed to serve. Take Rochdale's investment in a line of credit for All-In Groceries, a store that was 58 years in the making in Waterloo, Iowa's East Side, a neighborhood marginalized by decades of redlining and racism. This is the community and life-changing work that motivates Rochdale Capital's fully engaged staff and board of directors. And John announces our thrilling partnership, Power Station powered by Rochdale Capital. Expect more stories from leaders who invest financial and human capital to build community, influence and power.

In this episode of the Four Degrees to the Streets podcast, hosts Nimo and Jas interview Natasha Dowell, a Loan Officer at a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) located in the Southeast US. Natasha has over a decade of public health experience and is passionate about bringing to life community development projects that advance health equity. Her public health experience covers a wide range including behavioral health, nutritional and physical fitness, maternal and child health, and foodborne outbreaks. Natasha brings her planning and public health training as a lender for a variety of projects, including charter schools and affordable housing developments.Press play to hear:Natasha's background and career path as well as what community development means to her and why it is critical for Black people in the USThe intersection of public health and the planned + built environment that results in increased access or lack of opportunitiesThe lifecycle of a CDFI project and how an organization makes final decisions. She also shares her hot takes on the biggest problems facing cities and potential solutionsThis episode provides valuable insights into community development and the role of CDFIs in urban planning. Natasha's experience and expertise make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in community development and urban planning. Feel free to visit the CDFI 101 Toolkit to learn more about the industry.Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!ResourcesRobert Wood Johnson Foundation | What makes a long life?

S3 Ep 3 | According to a new study, Black and Hispanic real estate developers together make up less than 1 percent of their industry. This gap in the real estate industry isn't just a representation crisis, it's also a huge missed opportunity – the study estimates a more diverse industry could create more than $100 billion in new revenue. Investing in systemic change could close this gap and actually bring lasting economic growth to many communities. US Bancorp Impact Finance, a subsidiary of US Bank, has taken a lead role in addressing systemic issues by investing in community development across the nation. In this episode Miranda Walker, US Bancorp's Affordable Housing Impact Capital Manager, shares how they are creatively working with CDFIs and BIPOC led developers to uplift local communities.About Miranda.Miranda Walker joined U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance in 2022. In her role as impact capital manager, Miranda focuses on deploying capital to emerging developers of color. Prior to joining U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, she managed the development of affordable housing in the Twin Cities. Her nearly 15 years of development experience involved feasibility analyses, site acquisition, entitlement, design development, construction management, financial modeling, tax credit application and financing, and permanent financing conversion. In addition to her affordable housing work, Miranda has served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Brooklyn Park and as a volunteer for Hands On Twin Cities and Habitat for Humanity. Currently, she serves on the board of Alliance Housing and provides advisory support for Twin Cities LISC. Miranda earned a B.A. in Studies of Cinema and Media Culture and a Master's in Urban and Regional Planning from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.Renegade Capital Tools & Tips.A renegade not only listens but acts. We've consolidated a few tips from this episode for taking action to increase diversity in real estate development.Invest in diverse and emerging developers: There are opportunities for investors at every level to use capital to support diverse and emerging real estate developers. Everyday investors can open accounts and place deposits with banks that drive this work, like US Bank and local CDFIs. Institutional investors, other developers, and philanthropists can look for partners and initiatives already committed to this work. Find the diverse developers in your community: Grove has published a map and directory of Black and Hispanic developers to assist those who want to connect and do business with these developers. Learn about the ongoing work in your own community and stay up to date on the current issues they face. Invest With US Bancorp Impact Finance: If your organization wants to expand its investment portfolio to include real estate that supports developers and communities of color, contact US Bancorp Impact Finance to learn how you can drive systemic change.Support the showLove the podcast? Subscribe and follow to never miss an episode.Linkedin | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Join our mailing list

$200 billion. That is how much money is in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and one credit union voice that has been loud in seeking a share is Inclusiv, the trade group for community development credit unions that now has 470 members.Just why is Inclusiv involved in this?Exactly that question is why we invited Inclusiv CEO Cathie Mahon on the show.  She's a past guest - in 2019 she was in episode 15.In this show she offers an articulate explanation of why environmental issues are in fact central to the concerns of community development credit unions.In June Mahon testified before the US Senate Climate Change Task Force where she said, “As credit unions invest in climate solutions, they find strong synergies between increasingaccess to clean energy and improved financial stability. As community owned and controlledfinancial institutions, community development credit unions see both a responsibility andopportunity to make their communities greener and more resilient. These institutions servethose located on the frontlines of climate change, specifically communities with the poorest airquality, highest energy burden and most vulnerability to climate events such as hurricanes,floods, drought, wildfires, and tornadoes.”She has that very right. Often it is the poorest communities that deal with the harshest impacts of climate change.What can credit unions do about this? Lots and lots, as you will hear in the show.  Everything from helping with loans to replace old appliances with energy efficient ones to encouraging job training for minority contractors who want to pursue opportunities in, for instance, installing solar arrays on homes and apartment buildings.Mahon sees many, many ways for credit unions to have positive impacts on their communities.Also in the show she offers comment on attempts in the US House to slash the federal funding for CDFIs - a genuinely dumb idea.And she also talks about Inclusiv's new ties to QCash, the small dollar loan company that has been birthed by the credit union movement to give members a far better alternative to predatory loans.Listen up.Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com  And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.  Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto

In this Rich Black Woman Podcast episode we talk with Ron Brooks, president of River City Capital, a CDFI based in Memphis, Tennessee with a national vision to help small business owners get access to capital to grow their businesses. Did you know what a CDFI is? Do you know that these loan non profit organizations are backed by the U.S. Department of Treasury and are friendly to folks that look like you and me? Say what? Did you know they will help you in getting funded? Coaching you along the way! And then when you get funded they often will provide additional resources to help grow your business through their vast networks? Sounds too good to be true, or sounds like the good news has come and you are now in the know. Consider yourself enriched today! Tune into this valuable conversation about how to approach a CDFI, what to prepare, how not to be intimidated but be prepared to be elevated! A Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is a specialized financial institution that operates with a primary mission to support economic and community development in underserved or economically disadvantaged areas. These institutions are designated and certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury based on their commitment to provide financial services, such as loans, investments, and financial counseling, to individuals and businesses in low-income communities. CDFIs play a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth, offering access to capital for small businesses, affordable housing initiatives, and community development projects that might otherwise struggle to secure funding from traditional financial institutions. By targeting their resources towards underserved communities, CDFIs contribute to building stronger, more resilient local economies and fostering social impact through their financial services and community partnerships. Resources: https://www.ofn.org/cdfi-locator/ to find a CDFI near you Understand what a CDFI is and proof its legit!: https://www.cdfifund.gov/ Check out River City Capital: www.rivercitycapital.org Subscribe to our newsletter: www.richblackwoman.com Leave us a review on Spotify and Apple podcasts and share with 2 besties! #entrepreneurs #cdfis #wealth #smallbusinesses #businesscapital #financialliteracy #richblackwoman #blackwallstreet #capital #womanowned #blackowned --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/richblackwoman/message

In this episode, join us as we delve into one of the most critical issues faced by small business owners—Capital Access. We're privileged to have Brian Cunningham, an expert from the National Development Council (NDC), shed light on the opportunities available for small business owners to access the capital they need to grow and scale their businesses. Learn about NDC's role as a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and its extensive experience in housing, New Market tax credits, SBA lending, technical assistance, and training for small businesses. Discover the unique value that CDFIs bring to the table, including specialized support and partnerships with organizations like the SBDC to ensure entrepreneurs have a solid grasp of their financials and the financing options available. Tune in for valuable insights and expert advice on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of capital access.   – Learn more about National Development Council: https://ndconline.org/  For more segments like these, subscribe to Small Biz Florida and Follow the official Small Biz Florida Instagram! This and the following segments were recorded at this year's annual JMI Small Business Leadership Conference hosted at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort.