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What is a CDFI? – Community Development Financial Institutions Explained
Updated July 2021 Community Development Financial Institutions, more commonly referred to as CDFIs, are private sector, primarily nonprofit, financial institutions that provide loans and other financial resources to Low to Moderate Income (LMI) and BIPOC communities that are often underserved by traditional financial institutions. CDFIs are federally certified entities. That certification comes from the CDFI Fund,…
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Where Are They Now? A Check In with Cortaiga Collins
Cortaiga Collins: Redefining Community Impact When we first introduced Cortaiga Collins in 2021, she was on the verge of a major milestone: opening the doors to a new, state-of-the-art facility for her thriving childcare business, Good Shepherd Preschool and Infant/Toddler Center. At the time, her story captivated readers as she shared her journey from being…
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Great Lakes Credit Union: Filling a Banking Desert in Chicago’s Austin Neighborhood
The Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side, home to nearly 100,000 residents, has long been a financial services desert. For decades, its residents were forced to rely on predatory payday lenders or travel outside their community to access basic financial services. This lack of access perpetuated cycles of poverty, leaving residents vulnerable to financial insecurity.…
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Meet Brooklyn Packers, The Co-Op Connecting Small Farms To The Big Apple
Steph Wiley has been an entrepreneur almost as long as he’s been a New Yorker—and he’s been a New Yorker his entire life. At first, Steph owned a dog-walking business in lower Manhattan for more than 10 years before starting a community organizing business with his partner. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Steph is…
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The Shifting Landscape of U.S. Climate Action: Insights for 2025
As we move into 2025, the United States stands at a pivotal moment for climate and environmental policy. Shifting federal priorities, steadfast leadership from state governments, and growing private-sector initiatives shape the nation’s approach to these challenges. With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters—including hurricanes like Milton, Debby, Francine, and Helene, the annual…
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Built to Thrive: The Case for Investing in Women-Led Businesses
The changing economic and social landscape in the United States highlights the crucial need to invest in women-led businesses. These entrepreneurs are not just building companies; they’re creating resilient enterprises that positively impact their communities, generate jobs, and drive economic growth. However, many women still face barriers when it comes to accessing the capital they…
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Meet Piedmont Community Services, The Behavioral Health Service Provider Taking Care of Its Community
Greg Preston always wanted to return to his hometown and give back to his community. At first, Greg worked at the local Department of Social Services. Now, 25 years later? Greg is the organizations executive director.
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Impact Cash® Is Now Open to Individual Clients
CNote Expands Access to Impact Investing CNote is proud to announce that Impact Cash®, one of our most impactful and flexible financial solutions, is now available to Individual Investors.
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How Impact Investing Helps Build Stronger Communities
In a world where traditional investments often prioritize profit over purpose, impact investing has emerged as a powerful alternative for those who want to align their financial goals with their values. By investing in projects and organizations that make a difference in underserved communities, impact investors not only receive financial returns but also help build…
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Supporting BIPOC-Owned Small Businesses: The Challenges and Opportunities for Growth
Across the United States, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) entrepreneurs are building businesses that strengthen communities, create jobs, and contribute to the economy. These business owners share the same dreams as any entrepreneur: to grow their businesses, serve their customers, and build something lasting. But the path to success can look very different…
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