Cohort Participants

Communities Unlimited is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution serving a seven state area to include: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

We provide one-on-one management consulting and group trainings to small businesses while offering access to capital when traditional financing options are not available.

TruFund Financial Services, Inc. is a wholly independent national non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). TruFund seeks to stimulate economic development in communities that are underserved by traditional banking institutions by providing fair and accessible capital, hands-on technical assistance and innovative solutions to small businesses and nonprofit organization.

At Business Impact Northwest (BIN), we remove barriers and expand opportunities for people of color, women, Veterans, immigrants, LGBTQ, and low-income entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest to start up and grow their own businesses. Our mission is “We grow businesses that create jobs in underserved communities,” and our vision is “All business owners have an equal opportunity to succeed.”

We offer free and very low-cost business classes, 1-to-1 business coaching, loan readiness coaching, and small business loans to our clients, who may otherwise not have access to these resources. In 2018 alone, we loaned out over $3 million and served a total of 4,756 entrepreneurs, with 4,611 attending our classes and 1,454 utilizing our 1-to-1 business coaching. Small business coaching services and training are provided through the Washington Women’s Business Center (WWBC) and the Region X Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). The WWBC’s mission is “To provide technical training and counseling to women and minority business owners to empower them to acquire the skills they need to make their business start, grow, and thrive financially.” We provide technical assistance and training to support the success of women small business owners and meet the unique needs of women entrepreneurs. By tailoring services to solve the problems commonly faced by women business owners, the WWBC serves a critical need in this community.

Communities Unlimited is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution serving a seven state area to include: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

We provide one-on-one management consulting and group trainings to small businesses while offering access to capital when traditional financing options are not available.

Mandela Partners, formerly Mandela MarketPlace, is a non-profit organization that works in partnership with local residents, family farmers, and community-based businesses to improve health, create wealth, and build assets through local food enterprises in low-income communities. Mandela Partner’s Economic Development work focuses on business incubation, entrepreneur workshops, one-on-one business consulting, and access to capital.

Start Small Think Big believes that entrepreneurship results in increased innovation and sustained economic growth for everyone, particularly those most marginalized. Therefore, by investing in the underserved, we can create jobs and value for our society. As a result, Start Small’s mission is to help under-resourced entrepreneurs create thriving businesses in underserved areas so owners can build wealth for themselves, their families and communities. We do this by activating and engaging a top-tier network of professional volunteers who provide high-quality legal, financial and marketing services, at no cost. Start Small targets entrepreneurs and small business owners who either live in or sell goods or services in underserved communities in New York City and the Bay Area, and who possess the fundamental building blocks to create and sustain viable businesses but lack the resources to access professional legal, financial and marketing expertise.

Established in 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund’s mission is to increase equity and economic opportunity in underserved communities in the Washington, DC area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Our mission is driven by three strategic pillars: inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and equitable economic opportunity, and is fulfilled by providing access to capital products and services, and capacity building technical assistance to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs.

 

For more than 21 years, LiftFund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped individuals achieve the American Dream by providing small business lending to those who do not have access to capital from typical lending sources, such as traditional banks. Along with vital small business loans, LiftFund provides educational services at no cost to borrowers, which are essential to foster self-sufficiency.

Since our founding in 1997, GMEN has worked to build the capacity of micro enterprise organizations around the United States of America, with a primary focus on the State of Georgia. As the Georgia State Association for Micro Enterprise, GMEN provides the primary infrastructure for assembling and disseminating information on USA micro enterprise development to MDOs across the state. With GMEN’s support, its members have successfully grown and developed over the past twenty years. The number of disadvantaged entrepreneurs served has grown; the types of services offered have increased. GMEN’s members helped businesses start and grow, creating and sustaining jobs.

GMEN’s role in this development through its training and technical assistance programs, research and leadership development has been critical. GMEN was created by Micro Enterprise Development Organizations, MDOs, to help them assist those small and under-served entrepreneurs in the state of Georgia, Southern Region and United States.

Invest Atlanta is the official economic development authority for the City of Atlanta. Its purpose is to strengthen Atlanta’s economy and global competitiveness in order to create increased opportunity and prosperity for the people of Atlanta.

 

For more than 21 years, LiftFund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped individuals achieve the American Dream by providing small business lending to those who do not have access to capital from typical lending sources, such as traditional banks. Along with vital small business loans, LiftFund provides educational services at no cost to borrowers, which are essential to foster self-sufficiency.

At Business Impact Northwest (BIN), we remove barriers and expand opportunities for people of color, women, Veterans, immigrants, LGBTQ, and low-income entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest to start up and grow their own businesses. Our mission is “We grow businesses that create jobs in underserved communities,” and our vision is “All business owners have an equal opportunity to succeed.”

We offer free and very low-cost business classes, 1-to-1 business coaching, loan readiness coaching, and small business loans to our clients, who may otherwise not have access to these resources. In 2018 alone, we loaned out over $3 million and served a total of 4,756 entrepreneurs, with 4,611 attending our classes and 1,454 utilizing our 1-to-1 business coaching. Small business coaching services and training are provided through the Washington Women’s Business Center (WWBC) and the Region X Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). The WWBC’s mission is “To provide technical training and counseling to women and minority business owners to empower them to acquire the skills they need to make their business start, grow, and thrive financially.” We provide technical assistance and training to support the success of women small business owners and meet the unique needs of women entrepreneurs. By tailoring services to solve the problems commonly faced by women business owners, the WWBC serves a critical need in this community.

Justine PETERSEN is a nonprofit organization that connects low and moderate income individuals with the tools they need to access safe and affordable credit to fully realize their personal goals and dreams. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the organization provides micro-enterprise and consumer lending, credit counseling and homeownership preparation and retention. Justine PETERSEN helps unbanked and underbanked individuals establish strong credit profiles so they can graduate to mainstream financial services and create better lives for themselves and their families.

Founded in 1997 by the late Justine M. Petersen to provide pioneering community reinvestment services in the St. Louis Area, the organization has since evolved and expanded their reach nationwide. As they embark on a new 5-year strategic plan, they are excited to continuing providing quality services and products to their clients and network of partners.

Justine PETERSEN is a nonprofit organization that connects low and moderate income individuals with the tools they need to access safe and affordable credit to fully realize their personal goals and dreams. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the organization provides micro-enterprise and consumer lending, credit counseling and homeownership preparation and retention. Justine PETERSEN helps unbanked and underbanked individuals establish strong credit profiles so they can graduate to mainstream financial services and create better lives for themselves and their families.

Founded in 1997 by the late Justine M. Petersen to provide pioneering community reinvestment services in the St. Louis Area, the organization has since evolved and expanded their reach nationwide. As they embark on a new 5-year strategic plan, they are excited to continuing providing quality services and products to their clients and network of partners.

Communities Unlimited is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution serving a seven state area to include: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

We provide one-on-one management consulting and group trainings to small businesses while offering access to capital when traditional financing options are not available.

 

For more than 21 years, LiftFund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped individuals achieve the American Dream by providing small business lending to those who do not have access to capital from typical lending sources, such as traditional banks. Along with vital small business loans, LiftFund provides educational services at no cost to borrowers, which are essential to foster self-sufficiency.

TruFund Financial Services, Inc. is a wholly independent national non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). TruFund seeks to stimulate economic development in communities that are underserved by traditional banking institutions by providing fair and accessible capital, hands-on technical assistance and innovative solutions to small businesses and nonprofit organization.

New Ventures Maine (NVME) is a statewide community outreach program of the University of Maine at Augusta. Started in 1978 as a displaced homemakers program, NVME’s mission is to help adults succeed in the changing economy and achieve economic security for themselves and their families. We achieve our mission by providing classes and individualized coaching in planning a career, starting a business, managing money, and building assets. NVME has been a leader in microenterprise development since 1983 when the organization received one of seven national grants from the Office of Women’s Business Ownership, U.S. Small Business Administration. We offer training and support to over 1,300 individuals per year. NVME serves all 16 Maine counties through eight regional offices and additional outreach sites.

With 40 years of experience, we have worked with small and emerging entrepreneurs in a variety of industry sectors including food and agriculture, artisans and crafters, professional services, recreation and tourism, and retail. NVME has an extensive history of customizing our services to reach specific populations, including refugees and immigrants, dislocated workers, veterans, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) recipients, individuals over 50, displaced homemakers, incarcerated adults, single parents, and non-traditional adult students. Business development programs offered by NVME focus primarily on addressing the needs of start-up ventures and early stage small enterprises. We help entrepreneurs assess the feasibility, viability, and desirability of a business idea; develop a business plan for its implementation; build confidence in entrepreneurial and management skills; develop networks and professional support systems; and take the next steps towards growth and stability. NVME has developed a keen understanding of the diverse needs of micro entrepreneurs, whether male or female, low-income or middle-class, and those living in isolated rural communities, small towns, or urban areas.

Established in 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund’s mission is to increase equity and economic opportunity in underserved communities in the Washington, DC area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Our mission is driven by three strategic pillars: inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and equitable economic opportunity, and is fulfilled by providing access to capital products and services, and capacity building technical assistance to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs.

Communities Unlimited is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution serving a seven state area to include: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

We provide one-on-one management consulting and group trainings to small businesses while offering access to capital when traditional financing options are not available.

 

For more than 21 years, LiftFund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped individuals achieve the American Dream by providing small business lending to those who do not have access to capital from typical lending sources, such as traditional banks. Along with vital small business loans, LiftFund provides educational services at no cost to borrowers, which are essential to foster self-sufficiency.

Justine PETERSEN is a nonprofit organization that connects low and moderate income individuals with the tools they need to access safe and affordable credit to fully realize their personal goals and dreams. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, the organization provides micro-enterprise and consumer lending, credit counseling and homeownership preparation and retention. Justine PETERSEN helps unbanked and underbanked individuals establish strong credit profiles so they can graduate to mainstream financial services and create better lives for themselves and their families.

Founded in 1997 by the late Justine M. Petersen to provide pioneering community reinvestment services in the St. Louis Area, the organization has since evolved and expanded their reach nationwide. As they embark on a new 5-year strategic plan, they are excited to continuing providing quality services and products to their clients and network of partners.

 

For more than 21 years, LiftFund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped individuals achieve the American Dream by providing small business lending to those who do not have access to capital from typical lending sources, such as traditional banks. Along with vital small business loans, LiftFund provides educational services at no cost to borrowers, which are essential to foster self-sufficiency.

Excelsior Growth Fund (EGF) helps small businesses grow by providing streamlined access to business loans and advisory services. EGF’s signature product, the EGF SmartLoan™, provides up to $100,000 in fast, transparent, and affordable financing through a secure online platform. Larger loans up to $500,000 are also available. EGF is a nonprofit organization and is certified by U.S. Department of Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

As an affiliate of  New York Business Development Corporation and The 504 Company,  EGF can also facilitate access to a full suite of alternative financing products.

 

For more than 21 years, LiftFund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped individuals achieve the American Dream by providing small business lending to those who do not have access to capital from typical lending sources, such as traditional banks. Along with vital small business loans, LiftFund provides educational services at no cost to borrowers, which are essential to foster self-sufficiency.

WESST (Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team) is New Mexico’s second largest economic development organization committed to growing New Mexico’s economy and creating self-sufficiency by cultivating entrepreneurship. As a non-profit, we offer consulting, training, and lending to anyone with the passion to start or grow a business. Our committed team nurtures thousands of clients each year to help them build strong and sustainable businesses that support their families and communities throughout New Mexico. In the last five years alone, WESST clients statewide created 1,111 new jobs, 316 business starts and $796 million in sales revenues.

WESST mission is to be a home to entrepreneurs. Founded in 1989 by women for women, WESST targets its business development services to women, people of color and low-wealth individuals. Over 80% of the individuals WESST serves falls into one of these three groups.

The Business Outreach Center (BOC) Network is a microenterprise/ small business development organization with over a two decades of delivering customized business services to under-served entrepreneurs in New York City. Business Outreach Center Network’s mission is to improve the economic prospects of traditionally underserved groups, with a focus on low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs and their communities, and thereby create genuinely brighter futures.

Now in its 50th year of service, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC) embraces the role of urban pioneer on the cutting edge of the downtown revitalization. Using strategic deployment of our assets, we help guide and manage the revitalization in a way that connects the community to opportunities that result from the significant investment now occurring. Our projects and programs cover a wide range of activities including promoting responsible development, small business lending and technical support, area. We pay special attention to helping MWBE’s and last year provided service to over 500 of these businesses. In addition, we regularly organize and sponsor community outreach events which connect MWBE’s to development projects and/or provide valuable business resources. All our work supports place based economic development.

Our mission as a community development corporation is to expand economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for the economically and ethnically diverse residents of Jamaica and the region at large.

Start Small Think Big believes that entrepreneurship results in increased innovation and sustained economic growth for everyone, particularly those most marginalized. Therefore, by investing in the underserved, we can create jobs and value for our society. As a result, Start Small’s mission is to help under-resourced entrepreneurs create thriving businesses in underserved areas so owners can build wealth for themselves, their families and communities. We do this by activating and engaging a top-tier network of professional volunteers who provide high-quality legal, financial and marketing services, at no cost. Start Small targets entrepreneurs and small business owners who either live in or sell goods or services in underserved communities in New York City and the Bay Area, and who possess the fundamental building blocks to create and sustain viable businesses but lack the resources to access professional legal, financial and marketing expertise.

Urban Upbound is dedicated to breaking cycles of poverty in New York City public housing and other low-income neighborhoods. We provide underserved youth and adults with the tools and resources needed to achieve economic prosperity and self-sufficiency through five comprehensive, integrated programs: Employment Services, Financial Counseling, Income Support Services, Community Revitalization, and Financial Inclusion services anchored by the Urban Upbound Federal Credit Union. Our Worker Cooperatives Initiative incubates and supports worker-owned businesses formed by entrepreneurs that live in public housing or other low-income communities.

The Akron Urban League is a pillar in the Greater Akron community and is looked upon to support the needs of people through their work in the areas of Education, Employment and Entrepreneurship. The agency has a vision to become the hub of collaborative services that transform and reposition citizens of Summit County, out of generational poverty into self-sufficient and economically independent individuals and families. The mission of the Akron Urban League is to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Summit County, particularly African Americans, by advocating and facilitating programs that are economically and educationally transformational, impacting their lives and the lives of future generations.

Communities Unlimited is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution serving a seven state area to include: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

We provide one-on-one management consulting and group trainings to small businesses while offering access to capital when traditional financing options are not available.

 

For more than 21 years, LiftFund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped individuals achieve the American Dream by providing small business lending to those who do not have access to capital from typical lending sources, such as traditional banks. Along with vital small business loans, LiftFund provides educational services at no cost to borrowers, which are essential to foster self-sufficiency.

ONABEN is a national 501(c)3 organization created in 1991 by four Oregon tribes who wanted to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and help grow a private business sector on their reservations. ONABEN’s mission is to support Indigenous individuals, economic development organizations, and communities by increasing opportunities for sustainable economic growth through culturally relevant entrepreneurial training and organizational development. Today, with over 25 years of experience working in Indian Country, ONABEN continues to strive toward our mission by providing Native entrepreneurs, and the community-based economic development organizations that serve them, a broad range of culturally-specific business curricula, programs, and customized assistance with a focus on increasing access to financing and building positive business-to-business relationships.

Today, ONABEN provides services throughout the entire United States and is recognized nationally as an innovator in the creation of organizational models, programs, products and services that have advanced the field of microenterprise and entrepreneurship among disadvantaged Native populations. This work has been done in Native American communities, both urban and rural, but the fundamentals of effective organizational and programmatic solutions—i.e. “best practices” are replicable to other disadvantaged communities. ONABEN has been providing training, technical assistance to Native entrepreneurs and Tribal/Native organizations for nearly three decades. All of ONABEN’s work has been centered on working to empower our communities build business sustainability and a strong private sector economy within Native communities. ONABEN holds forums and trainings throughout the year to collaborate with Native partners to identify challenges and develop solutions to meet critical community needs. ONABEN’s activities have always been driven by community-initiated planning.

From its award-winning entrepreneurial development training platform, to youth entrepreneurship program development; and from financial capacity building services to signature events designed to grow the markets of the Native American business community, ONABEN is a friend to Indian Country. Its team is dedicated to Native peoples and places throughout the United States.

At Business Impact Northwest (BIN), we remove barriers and expand opportunities for people of color, women, Veterans, immigrants, LGBTQ, and low-income entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest to start up and grow their own businesses. Our mission is “We grow businesses that create jobs in underserved communities,” and our vision is “All business owners have an equal opportunity to succeed.”

We offer free and very low-cost business classes, 1-to-1 business coaching, loan readiness coaching, and small business loans to our clients, who may otherwise not have access to these resources. In 2018 alone, we loaned out over $3 million and served a total of 4,756 entrepreneurs, with 4,611 attending our classes and 1,454 utilizing our 1-to-1 business coaching. Small business coaching services and training are provided through the Washington Women’s Business Center (WWBC) and the Region X Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). The WWBC’s mission is “To provide technical training and counseling to women and minority business owners to empower them to acquire the skills they need to make their business start, grow, and thrive financially.” We provide technical assistance and training to support the success of women small business owners and meet the unique needs of women entrepreneurs. By tailoring services to solve the problems commonly faced by women business owners, the WWBC serves a critical need in this community.

ONABEN is a national 501(c)3 organization created in 1991 by four Oregon tribes who wanted to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and help grow a private business sector on their reservations. ONABEN’s mission is to support Indigenous individuals, economic development organizations, and communities by increasing opportunities for sustainable economic growth through culturally relevant entrepreneurial training and organizational development. Today, with over 25 years of experience working in Indian Country, ONABEN continues to strive toward our mission by providing Native entrepreneurs, and the community-based economic development organizations that serve them, a broad range of culturally-specific business curricula, programs, and customized assistance with a focus on increasing access to financing and building positive business-to-business relationships.

Today, ONABEN provides services throughout the entire United States and is recognized nationally as an innovator in the creation of organizational models, programs, products and services that have advanced the field of microenterprise and entrepreneurship among disadvantaged Native populations. This work has been done in Native American communities, both urban and rural, but the fundamentals of effective organizational and programmatic solutions—i.e. “best practices” are replicable to other disadvantaged communities. ONABEN has been providing training, technical assistance to Native entrepreneurs and Tribal/Native organizations for nearly three decades. All of ONABEN’s work has been centered on working to empower our communities build business sustainability and a strong private sector economy within Native communities. ONABEN holds forums and trainings throughout the year to collaborate with Native partners to identify challenges and develop solutions to meet critical community needs. ONABEN’s activities have always been driven by community-initiated planning.

From its award-winning entrepreneurial development training platform, to youth entrepreneurship program development; and from financial capacity building services to signature events designed to grow the markets of the Native American business community, ONABEN is a friend to Indian Country. Its team is dedicated to Native peoples and places throughout the United States.

Entrepreneur Works Fund (EWF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates pathways of opportunity for talented yet underserved entrepreneurs. Across the Philadelphia region (Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester counties), EWF delivers flexible financial products and affordable business support services to hundreds of aspiring and established small business owners each year with a focus on those who qualify as low-to-moderate income (LMI); women; immigrants, or members of racial or ethnic minority groups. Many of our clients face significant barriers to business start-up and scale including low or non-existent credit and lack of access to business training and professional networks. EWF addresses each of these barriers directly to help bring economic investment to the communities who need it most. On average over the past 5 years, over 80% of our clients identified as members of a racial minority, over 66% resided in low-to moderate-income households, and over 60% were women.

Since 1998 EWF has created economic opportunity for over 5,300 Philadelphia area small businesses, advancing 460 microloans with an overall investment of $1.8 million. Through our suite of entrepreneurial services including special topics workshops, Start It. Grow It. business fundamentals course, and one-to-one technical assistance, EWF helps small business owners develop stronger financial practices, and increase their economic mobility. As a certified CDFI, EWF complements its entrepreneurial training services with its small business loan, a product that provides up to $50,000 in flexible lending capital to entrepreneurs who are ineligible for traditional financing to launch or scale. With our help, EWF’s clients create jobs for themselves and their communities and contribute to local economic growth and financial security.

Excelsior Growth Fund (EGF) helps small businesses grow by providing streamlined access to business loans and advisory services. EGF’s signature product, the EGF SmartLoan™, provides up to $100,000 in fast, transparent, and affordable financing through a secure online platform. Larger loans up to $500,000 are also available. EGF is a nonprofit organization and is certified by U.S. Department of Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

As an affiliate of  New York Business Development Corporation and The 504 Company,  EGF can also facilitate access to a full suite of alternative financing products.

 

For more than 21 years, LiftFund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped individuals achieve the American Dream by providing small business lending to those who do not have access to capital from typical lending sources, such as traditional banks. Along with vital small business loans, LiftFund provides educational services at no cost to borrowers, which are essential to foster self-sufficiency.

Communities Unlimited is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution serving a seven state area to include: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

We provide one-on-one management consulting and group trainings to small businesses while offering access to capital when traditional financing options are not available.

 

For more than 21 years, LiftFund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped individuals achieve the American Dream by providing small business lending to those who do not have access to capital from typical lending sources, such as traditional banks. Along with vital small business loans, LiftFund provides educational services at no cost to borrowers, which are essential to foster self-sufficiency.

Communities Unlimited is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution serving a seven state area to include: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.

We provide one-on-one management consulting and group trainings to small businesses while offering access to capital when traditional financing options are not available.

JUST invests in low-income female entrepreneurs in order to create more resilient communities and help people live with less stress and more joy. They do this through small loans and supportive community. Since their launch in 2016, JUST has made over 1,500 loans, totaling more than $2.6M, to over 585 clients in Central Texas alone. Without ever checking a credit score or requiring collateral, JUST has a 99.3% repayment rate.

 

For more than 21 years, LiftFund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has helped individuals achieve the American Dream by providing small business lending to those who do not have access to capital from typical lending sources, such as traditional banks. Along with vital small business loans, LiftFund provides educational services at no cost to borrowers, which are essential to foster self-sufficiency.

PeopleFund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1994. It is a U.S. Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and SBA certified lender. PeopleFund provides business loans up to $350,000 to Texas businesses that do not qualify for bank loans. It also provides client business assistance and education. The target market is minority, women, and veteran business owners and those residing in low to moderate income census tracts. 59% of current loans are to startups and non-profit organizations. Through access to capital and educational opportunities, PeopleFund creates economic opportunity and financial stability for underserved people to build healthy small businesses. PeopleFund inspires, educates, funds, and elevates entrepreneurs on the path to prosperity and the American dream.

Established in 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund’s mission is to increase equity and economic opportunity in underserved communities in the Washington, DC area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Our mission is driven by three strategic pillars: inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and equitable economic opportunity, and is fulfilled by providing access to capital products and services, and capacity building technical assistance to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs.

At Business Impact Northwest (BIN), we remove barriers and expand opportunities for people of color, women, Veterans, immigrants, LGBTQ, and low-income entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest to start up and grow their own businesses. Our mission is “We grow businesses that create jobs in underserved communities,” and our vision is “All business owners have an equal opportunity to succeed.”

We offer free and very low-cost business classes, 1-to-1 business coaching, loan readiness coaching, and small business loans to our clients, who may otherwise not have access to these resources. In 2018 alone, we loaned out over $3 million and served a total of 4,756 entrepreneurs, with 4,611 attending our classes and 1,454 utilizing our 1-to-1 business coaching. Small business coaching services and training are provided through the Washington Women’s Business Center (WWBC) and the Region X Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). The WWBC’s mission is “To provide technical training and counseling to women and minority business owners to empower them to acquire the skills they need to make their business start, grow, and thrive financially.” We provide technical assistance and training to support the success of women small business owners and meet the unique needs of women entrepreneurs. By tailoring services to solve the problems commonly faced by women business owners, the WWBC serves a critical need in this community.