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Nichole Herman

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By CNote, Impact Investing

Impact Investing: Earn Up to 4%* and Make a Difference

Imagine an investment where your money doesn’t just sit in an account but actively contributes to causes that inspire you. Whether its empowering women entrepreneurs, supporting green energy initiatives, or fostering community development, impact investing can earn a return—like a 4%* annual percentage yield (APY)—while making a real difference in the world. If you’re looking for a way to invest without compromising your values, this is your chance to put your money to work in a way that aligns with your heart and your financial goals.

What is Impact Investing?

Impact investing goes beyond the traditional approach of focusing solely on financial returns. It involves directing your capital towards organizations, projects, or funds that aim to generate measurable positive social or environmental impact with the potential for financial gains. This could mean investing in women-owned small businesses, supporting sustainable agriculture, or financing affordable housing projects that lift communities.

Read more: What’s Behind the Growth of Impact Investing

Why Impact Investing?

  1. A Meaningful Investment: With impact investing, your potential financial returns are coupled with a profound sense of purpose. Imagine earning 4%* APY while knowing your money is fueling renewable energy projects, helping communities thrive, or supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. It’s more than just an investment, —it’s a legacy of positive change.
  2. Align Your Money with Your Values: For many, traditional investing feels disconnected from personal beliefs and values. Impact investing bridges this gap, allowing you to invest in initiatives that resonate with your passions. Whether you care deeply about social justice, environmental sustainability, or economic empowerment, impact investment opportunities are tailored to what matters most to you.
  3. Diversify Your Portfolio: Impact investments are not just a tool for social good; they’re also a smart addition to a diversified portfolio. Many impact funds focus on sectors with long-term growth potential, which can provide stability even in volatile markets. By integrating impact investments, you can balance risk and reward more effectively while contributing to meaningful change.

How Can Non-Accredited** Investors Participate?

Historically, impact investing was primarily available to accredited investors**—those who met certain income or net worth criteria. But today, the landscape is changing, and non-accredited** investors have more ways than ever to join the impact investing movement. One standout example is the Flagship Fund by CNote.

CNote’s Flagship Fund: Invest with Purpose

The CNote Flagship Fund offers a unique impact investment opportunity that provides the potential to earn returns while directly supporting underserved communities across the United States. Many communities, especially those in underrepresented areas, face challenges accessing capital, which limits economic growth and innovation. By investing in the CNote Flagship Fund, you have the power to help bridge this gap—while earning a potential return of up to 4%* APY.

How It Works: CNote partners with mission-driven community lenders who provide fair and accessible loans to small businesses in need. Your investment in the Flagship Fund enables these lenders to offer crucial support, fueling business growth and promoting financial inclusion. In return, you have the potential to earn a competitive financial return, combining impact with opportunity in one powerful investment.

Why Invest in the Flagship Fund?

  • Diversified and Sustainable Investing: The Flagship Fund is strategically diversified across a range of mission-driven community lenders, reducing risk while providing a sustainable and steady return on investment. This approach ensures that your money is working effectively across multiple communities and sectors.
  • Empower Underserved Communities: Your investment directly supports entrepreneurs and small businesses that often struggle to access funding through traditional means. These businesses are vital to their communities, driving local economies, creating jobs, and fostering social impact.
  • Transparent and Measurable Impact: CNote offers clear updates and detailed reports on the difference your investment is making. You’ll see real-world examples—like businesses expanding, jobs being created, and communities thriving—so you can be confident in how your money is being put to work.

Impact investing

The Potential for 4%* APY and Beyond

Impact investing does not mean settling for lower returns. Many impact investments, like the Flagship Fund, offer competitive rates—up to 4% APY—while generating positive social and environmental outcomes. Whether it’s supporting clean energy projects or funding small businesses, these investments often provide both stability and growth potential, with potential returns that are as meaningful as they are measurable. 

Read more about CNote’s Flagship Fund here. 

Make Your Money Matter

If you’re ready to do more with your money, impact investing provides a powerful way to align your finances with your values. The Flagship Fund by CNote is just one example of how you can earn a competitive return while making a tangible impact. So why settle for ordinary returns when you can make your money matter? Start your impact investing journey today and join the growing community of investors who believe in doing well by doing good.

 

 

*Returns not guaranteed. CNote Group, Inc. (“CNote”) is not a bank, a credit union, or any other type of financial institution. CNote is not a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor a broker-dealer authorized by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). CNote is not a legal, financial, accounting or tax advisor. CNote offers securities consisting of various promissory notes (“Notes”) to eligible accredited investors pursuant to Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“The Act”) and to eligible unaccredited investors pursuant to Regulation A of The Act. Neither the SEC nor any state securities regulator has passed upon or endorsed the merits of any investment in CNote’s offerings. Information provided herein is for educational purposes only and is not tailored for any individual investor or client. It should not be relied upon as financial or investment advice. This advertisement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation to buy. Returns are not guaranteed. All investing has risks. Before making an investment, the recipient is advised to consult with its financial, legal and/or tax advisor(s) to determine whether an investment such as this is suitable for it. Interest rates are for illustrative purposes, and are subject to change.

 

**Unaccredited Investors can only invest in Flagship Fund in an amount that is equal to the greater of 10% of their annual income, or 10% of their net worth. An accredited investor has no limit on the amount that they can invest in Flagship Fund. An accredited investor is an individual or entity that meets specific financial criteria, as defined by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Typically, an accredited investor must have a net worth of over $1 million (excluding their primary residence) or an annual income exceeding $200,000 (or $300,000 combined with a spouse) for the past two years, with the expectation of maintaining that income level. These criteria are intended to ensure that accredited investors have the financial sophistication and capacity to bear the risks of certain types of investments.  

 

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Wisdom Fund
By CNote, Impact Investing, Wisdom

CNote Wisdom Fund: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs face unique challenges in accessing capital and resources to grow their businesses. The Wisdom Fund, a collaboration between CNote and mission-driven lenders, is designed to address these challenges by providing targeted support to women-owned businesses.

What is the Wisdom Fund?

CNote’s Wisdom Fund channels funds specifically into loans for women entrepreneurs. By partnering with community lenders, the fund ensures that women-owned businesses receive the financial support they need to thrive.

Sign up for Wisdom Fund here. 

Meet Tysh Billingsley: The Cancer Survivor Who Brought Her Dream Business to Life

Tysh Billingsley, a cancer survivor, overcame significant challenges to realize her entrepreneurial dream. Despite her illness, she was determined to create a business that would not only support her family but also serve her community. Through the Wisdom Fund, Tysh received the financial support and resources necessary to build her dream business. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of targeted financial support for women entrepreneurs.

Tysh’s journey underscores the importance of accessible funding for women, particularly those facing additional barriers. With funding, Tysh was able to turn her vision into reality, contributing to her community’s economic growth and inspiring other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Read more about Tysh’s story here.

Key Features of the Wisdom Fund

  • 4% APY*: Benefit from an Annual Percentage Yield (APY).
  • Drive Social Change: Your funds support impact and systems change.
  • Accredited Investors Only: Available exclusively to accredited investors.
  • Provides Sustainable, Affordable Loan Capital for Women of Color Entrepreneurs: Empowering women of color with the financial resources they need.
  • Delivers Dedicated Small Business Coaching for Borrowers: Offering essential support and guidance.
  • 60-Month Term: A long-term commitment with significant impact.
  • $100,000 Minimum: Designed for substantial, impactful deposits.

Why Use the Wisdom Fund?

  • Targeted Support for Women: The Wisdom Fund focuses exclusively on women entrepreneurs, providing them with the capital and resources they need to overcome barriers and succeed.
  • High Impact: By utilizing the Wisdom Fund, you’re directly contributing to the growth and success of women-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment and gender equality.
  • Community and Economic Development: Supporting women-owned businesses helps stimulate local economies, create jobs, and promote sustainable growth.

Conclusion

CNote’s Wisdom Fund offers a powerful way to support women entrepreneurs while achieving. By using the Wisdom Fund, you’re helping to break down barriers and create opportunities for women in business. Join us in empowering women entrepreneurs and driving economic growth with the Wisdom Fund.

Learn more. https://www.mycnote.com/solutions/

 

*Returns not guaranteed. CNote Group, Inc. (“CNote”) is not a bank, a credit union, or any other type of financial institution. CNote is not a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) nor a broker-dealer authorized by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). CNote is not a legal, financial, accounting or tax advisor. CNote offers securities consisting of various promissory notes (“Notes”) to eligible accredited investors pursuant to Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“The Act”) and to eligible unaccredited investors pursuant to Regulation A of The Act. Neither the SEC nor any state securities regulator has passed upon or endorsed the merits of any investment in CNote’s offerings. Information provided herein is for educational purposes only and is not tailored for any individual investor or client. It should not be relied upon as financial or investment advice. This advertisement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation to buy. Returns are not guaranteed. All investing has risks. Before making an investment, the recipient is advised to consult with its financial, legal and/or tax advisor(s) to determine whether an investment such as this is suitable for it. Interest rates are for illustrative purposes, and are subject to change.

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By CNote

The Field of Yield: A New Land Where Yields Run High

In the dynamic world of corporate finance, treasurers are continually seeking secure and high-yield deposit options. Among these, credit unions stand out for offering some of the most competitive rates available. This article delves into the benefits of including credit unions in your corporate financial strategy and presents compelling reasons why they should be a key consideration for diversifying your deposits.

Addressing Risk and Scalability

For corporate treasurers, the primary concerns with any financial institution are risk and scalability. Credit unions are not riskier than traditional banks. Deposits in federally insured credit unions are protected up to $250,000 per credit union by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), similar to the FDIC insurance for banks. This ensures that your funds are secure and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.

Understanding Credit Unions

Credit unions are member-owned financial cooperatives that operate on a not-for-profit basis. This structure allows credit unions to reinvest their profits back into their members, often resulting in more favorable rates on savings deposits. As Dr. Cherry notes, “On average, credit unions pay higher interest rates on savings deposits than traditional banks due to their non-profit structure, which allows them to pass on profits to members in the form of better rates on high-yield savings and CDs”.

As of 2023, credit unions in the United States had a combined total asset value of over $2 trillion and a net worth ratio of 11.5%, well above the National Credit Union Administration’s ​(NCUA) 7% threshold for being well-capitalized. Additionally, the delinquency rate for loans at credit unions was just 0.59% in 2023, highlighting their strong credit risk management practices.

For corporate treasurers looking to diversify their financial partners, many credit unions offer robust capacity to handle significant deposits while still maintaining the benefits of lower risk. While it’s true that NCUSIF insurance limits encourage treasurers to keep individual deposits below $250,000, working with a diversified portfolio of credit unions can still provide a safe, high-yield solution, particularly through platforms like CNote, which partners with a range of credit unions to distribute deposits effectively across multiple institutions.

Diversification of Financial Partners

For corporate treasurers, diversification is a key strategy in managing risk. Including credit unions in a treasury  financial strategy allows it to diversify its deposit portfolio across different types of financial institutions. This not only spreads risk but also enables treasurers  to take advantage of the best rates and terms available in the market.

Higher Deposit Rates

Credit unions are known for providing some of the most competitive deposit rates in the market, making them an appealing choice for individuals aiming to grow their savings. Many credit unions offer rates on 1-year certificates of deposit (CDs) that are often higher than those available at traditional banks. This advantage stems from the not-for-profit nature of credit unions, which allows them to reinvest earnings directly back into their members, often resulting in more favorable interest rates on savings products.

Lower Fees and Better Service

Credit unions are known for their cost-effective approach to financial services, often resulting in lower fees for their members. This is largely due to their not-for-profit structure, which prioritizes member benefits over generating profits for shareholders. While specific fee structures may vary depending on the services utilized, credit unions’ commitment to keeping costs low can be particularly advantageous for corporate treasurers focused on maximizing returns. Moreover, credit unions are often praised for their personalized customer service, which is rooted in their member-focused approach. This can translate into a more tailored and responsive banking experience for corporate clients.

Community Focus and Social Responsibility

Investing with credit unions also aligns with the growing corporate trend towards social responsibility and community investment. Credit unions are deeply rooted in their local communities and often engage in activities that support community development. By depositing funds in a credit union, corporate treasurers can contribute to these positive initiatives, enhancing their company’s reputation for social responsibility.

Real-World Impact: Garden Island Gymnastics

Credit unions’ commitment to their members and communities is exemplified by success stories like that of Garden Island Gymnastics. Located in Hawaii, this small business was able to secure much-needed funding through a credit union whom CNote partners with. This funding allowed Garden Island Gymnastics to expand its facilities and continue serving its local community, demonstrating how credit unions can play a vital role in supporting businesses of all sizes.

This example highlights how credit unions, with their member-first focus and community-oriented approach, can provide tailored financial solutions that directly contribute to the growth and success of businesses. By partnering with platforms like CNote, corporate treasurers can tap into these benefits, knowing their deposits are making a positive impact.

Conclusion

In a financial environment where every basis point counts, corporate treasurers should not overlook the benefits of credit unions. Their member-focused, not-for-profit model consistently delivers higher deposit rates, lower fees, and superior service. Coupled with their commitment to community development and the safety of federally insured deposits, credit unions present a compelling option for corporate treasurers looking to optimize their deposit strategy. By considering credit unions, corporate treasurers can not only enhance their financial returns but also support socially responsible and community-focused financial practices.

By incorporating credit unions into your company’s financial strategy, you can achieve a balanced approach that maximizes returns while contributing to positive community impact.

 

Disclosure: This information should not be relied upon as research, investment or financial advice, or a recommendation regarding any products, strategies, or any security in particular. This material is strictly for illustrative, educational, or informational purposes and is subject to change. Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. The information does not purport to provide any legal, tax or accounting advice.