Your investment is already helping small businesses fuel local economies, create jobs, and strengthen their communities. Through community-driven financing, these entrepreneurs gain access to the resources they need to expand, hire, and bring valuable products and services to their neighborhoods.
This season, one of the most meaningful ways to deepen that impact is simple: support the small businesses that your investments help reach through CNote’s nationwide network of CDFIs.
By choosing to shop with them, you reinforce the momentum your capital helped build, creating an even stronger foundation for long-term community growth.
Below is a selection of small businesses supported by community-driven financial institutions. Shopping with them is a natural extension of that impact.
Pacific Northwest Creators & Makers
Supported by Craft3
Noir Lux Candle Co. — Seattle, WA
Hand-poured candles and thoughtfully crafted fragrance products.
Website: https://www.noirluxcandleco.com/
One Stripe Chai — Portland, WA
Small-batch chai blends rooted in tradition and quality sourcing.
Website: https://onestripechai.com/
Chocolate Necessities — Bellingham, WA
Chocolates and specialty confections crafted with care.
Website: https://chocolatenecessities.com/
Ohio Entrepreneurs Creating Everyday Favorites
Supported by Finance Fund
Time Change Generator — OH
Purpose-driven apparel and design-forward clothing.
Website: https://www.timechangegenerator.com/shop
Peaceful Fruits — OH
Fruit-based snacks made with simple ingredients.
Website: https://peacefulfruits.com/
The Plant Gays — OH
Indoor plants, accessories, and plant-friendly gifts.
Website: https://www.theplantgays.com/shop
Dirty Girl Coffee — OH
Artisan coffee roasts perfect for gifting or daily brewing.
Website: https://dirtygirlcoffee.com/
Wisconsin Brands with Local Creative Flair
Supported by Forward Community Investments
Rasta Barista — Madison, WI
A mix of coffee, candles, apparel, and lifestyle goods.
Website: https://www.rastabarista.com/
Art Gecko — Madison, WI
Jewelry and gift items curated with an artistic and global sensibility.
Website: https://www.artgecko.com/
Mississippi Makers Strengthening Local Commerce
Supported by Renaissance Community Loan Fund
The Square Gift Company — Fulton, MS
Clothing, home décor, books, and unique gift items.
Website: https://www.squaregiftco.com/
Fish Boutique — Pascagoula, MS
Women’s clothing and accessories with a local touch.
Website: https://fishboutiquems.com/
Gulf Spore — Aberdeen, MS
Mushroom-based products and natural goods.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/gulfspore
Midwest Innovators & Lifestyle Brands
Supported by Entrepreneur Fund
Bailey Builds — Duluth, MN
Handcrafted wood art and custom home décor.
Website: https://www.bb-friends.com/
Whirly Board — Hazelhurt, WI
Balance boards designed for movement, play, and everyday wellness.
Website: https://whirlyboard.com/
AdventureUs — Washburn, WI
Lifestyle goods inspired by outdoor exploration and craftsmanship.
Website: https://adventureus.com/
Why Shopping Where Your Investments Are Matters
When you invest through community-driven financial institutions, your dollars support local job creation, help businesses expand, and strengthen local economies. Shopping with these same businesses, especially during the holiday season, helps them:
- Boost revenue at a critical time
- Hire additional staff
- Reinvest in inventory and operations
- Contribute even more to their communities
Your investments help them grow. Your purchases help them thrive.
Choose to Support the Entrepreneurs Your Investment Empowers
Every business listed here reflects dedication, creativity, and the drive to serve their communities. By choosing to support the small businesses, your capital has already helped put them on a growth path; you extend the impact of your investment dollars and help strengthen local economies nationwide.
