HOME LEADERSHIP NEWS AND PRESS ABOUT US CONTACT US A Powerful New Alliance for Communities & Small Business In order to ensure that traditional and mainstream financial systems are equitably serving Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities to drive solutions that support economic mobility and wealth creation, we must think differently. Traditional tools and approaches have failed to address systemic issues of inequality and the widening racial wealth gap. Realizing the need for a new approach, Capital Impact Partners and CDC Small Business Finance have formally joined their operations to launch a transformative new enterprise and innovate how capital and investments flow into historically disinvested communities. Holistic economic and community development at scale centered around people and place Stronger Together To Address Systemic Issues Facing Communities Leveraging our 80 years of combined experience, nearly $3 billion in assets, and strong ties to both large financial institutions and community-based organizations, Capital Impact Partners, one of the nation’s leading Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and CDC Small Business Finance, the nation’s leading mission-based small business lender, are now formally operating as one to lead a national strategy designed to address critical legacy issues facing communities: Growth of Economic Inequity Current financial structures do not provide equitable opportunities and outcomes as the wealth gap continues to grow exponentially, specifically in communities of color. Lack of Place-Based, Community-Led Solutions Trusted organizations that listen to and value community-led solutions, and offer relevant place-based lending and investment products and services, are currently lacking. Disconnected Supply & Demand of Capital Between Investors and Communities Institutional investors and community organizations are currently disconnected from efficiently leveraging the supply and demand of capital investments to drive real and scalable impact. Our Pillars This unusual coming together between leaders in the CDFI and small business sectors is driven by the need to shake-up the traditional financial systems that have failed to address systemic issues of inequality, economic empowerment, and the widening racial wealth gap. Listen-first approach to understand the unique needs of a community and then engage investors in the conversation to help support custom solutions to drive positive change Amplify community-led solutions through the delivery of diversified community and economic development assets at scale across housing, health care, education, healthy food, and small business Transform capital markets by reinventing how capital flows into communities through the aggregation of investments, structuring and raising of capital, and delivering of investment opportunities that generate both financial and social returns that also meet the needs of communities and investors Serve as market innovators by creating new products and services that fill gaps left by traditional and mainstream financial systems Collaborate with organizations that center mission in their approach to drive change Advocate for communities by shaping national, regional, and local policy to address systemic inequities and create opportunities for our alliance to drive impact Interested in Working With Us or Learning More? Contact Us Grounded in Culture & Values Key to the success of the organization is an inclusive and aligned culture that supports our mission and vision. Our values not only define who we are, but how we do our work. The cultural aspiration of the organization is one where Purpose, Results, and Caring are at the forefront of our norms and behaviors. Purpose Reflects the shared understanding of the transformative potential of our enterprise to address key issues of social and economic justice for communities and the systems they rely on Results Reflects our healthy competitive drive and how we continually strive for excellence and impact Caring Reflects our fundamental compassion for the people we serve and for one another, and embraces the diversity among us A Suite of Tailored Services & Products With on-the-ground teams in key geographic regions, we have the ability to understand the needs of both investors and communities. We will use that knowledge to work with key stakeholders to develop the products, services, and investments that advance community-led solutions. While artisanal in nature, our expertise and size, access to capital, and deep partner networks allow us to scale what works. Community Development Lending Delivering capital to key community pillars, including high-quality health centers and education facilities, inclusive food systems operators, mixed-use and affordable housing, and cooperatives. Small Business Lending Supporting small business owners’ growth and success by creating access to affordable and responsible working-capital loans and SBA 504 commercial real estate financing. *SBA 504 available in CA, AZ, and NV. Working capital loans available in CA, AZ, NV, Detroit, and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan region. Business Advising & Capacity Building Providing counseling and solutions that build capacity and knowledge, increase access to opportunities, and reduce wealth disparities for small business owners and emerging developers of color. Impact Investing Conduit Aggregating and deploying capital to meet on-the-ground demands while also delivering financial and social returns at scale for investors. Interested in Working With Us or Learning More? Contact Us Place-Centered Focus Building and supporting the resources and assets embedded in communities is not a one-size-fits-all approach. That is why we employ an “artisanal” approach centered on understanding the needs and solutions being developed in specific cities and regions across the country. With that knowledge, we can partner with local organizations, community groups, small businesses, and impact investors to provide the support they need to scale their approaches. This includes targeted lending products, capacity-building programs, and investment capital strategically customized to address high-priority local issues. We are actively working through three place-based pilots in Los Angeles, Detroit, and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan region. Our learnings in these cities will inform our enterprise’s future strategies to further amplify the impact of local efforts in other parts of the country. The locations of the three pilots were intentionally chosen based on the current geographic focus for place-based community empowerment strategies within both organizations. Learn More About Our Work Press Release Contact Us CEO Op-Ed CEO Video Series 2021 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.