CDFIs

Access Ventures is an innovative impact multiplier that leverages catalytic capital to drive economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental sustainability in communities. They operate as dreamers, doers, and risk-takers who use blended finance approaches to create lasting transformative change, guided by the belief that people are at the heart of any true community transformation. Their mission is to revolutionize the global investment landscape through a blended finance approach and a "one-pocket mindset," proving that financial return and social impact can coexist while improving access and agency for all. They meet complex challenges with creativity, high tolerance for risk, and willingness to be catalytic with capital, emphasizing the development of the next generation of change-makers. Access Ventures serves as a catalyst for change in the impact investing ecosystem, bridging gaps between traditional finance and social impact through their deep understanding of catalytic and blended finance strategies. With 10 years of experience empowering change, they have established themselves as community-focused impact multipliers who teach, advise, and invest in ways that yield both high financial returns and significant community impact, fostering a resilient and dynamic economy where every person can thrive.

CNote is a fintech company founded in 2016 by financial executives Catherine Berman and Yuliya Tarasava that connects investors and institutions with mission-driven community banks to expand economic opportunity and strengthen local communities. The platform specializes in cash and fixed-income solutions that help institutions and individuals achieve competitive returns while preserving capital and creating positive community impact through CDFIs, MDIs, and community banks and credit unions. CNote applies institutional-grade discipline, modern technology and rigorous risk management to channel capital into the overlooked $5 trillion community finance market at scale. The company offers 100% FDIC- and NCUA-insured deposits with competitive returns, funding impact initiatives like affordable housing, disaster recovery, and small business growth in underserved communities.

Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF USA) is a national small business lender that focuses on scaling capital access for small businesses in communities across the country. They provide lending, technology, and service solutions to complement and amplify the effectiveness of the small business ecosystem. CRF operates with a mission to build stronger local economies by working with various partners including banks, financial service providers, CDFIs, business support organizations, public sector entities, and philanthropists. Their approach involves comprehensive program capabilities including program planning and design, program management, and program evaluation to maximize their impact. The organization plays a crucial role in the small business financing ecosystem by enhancing job growth and supporting economic mobility across communities. Through their collective impact programs and partnerships, CRF addresses critical gaps in small business capital access, particularly in underserved markets, making them a vital intermediary in community economic development.

LiftFund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to expanding economic opportunity through affordable small business financing, technical assistance, and entrepreneurial support. Since 1994, LiftFund has helped underserved entrepreneurs access capital and business resources that traditional financial institutions often overlook. The organization provides loans, grants, business coaching, capital readiness programs, and community partnerships that help entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow businesses while creating jobs and strengthening local economies.

Mission Driven Finance is an impact investing and lending platform that provides capital to small businesses and nonprofits without requiring personal guarantees. They focus on filling the financing gap between philanthropy and conventional investments, targeting businesses that lack sufficient access to affordable capital from traditional sources. The organization operates with the mission of making impact investing accessible and easy for everyone, envisioning a future where all investments are optimized for impact. They work with local and national investors to help them create the social impact they desire while providing structured financial products designed to close financial gaps and opportunity gaps. Since launching in 2016, Mission Driven Finance has become a significant force in accelerating positive social change through innovative financing mechanisms. They have successfully mobilized over $50 million in assets into communities, demonstrating their ability to bridge the gap between capital and worthy enterprises that struggle to achieve scale through conventional funding sources.

Momentus Capital is working to reinvent traditional financial systems by offering a continuum of financial, knowledge, and social capital to help entrepreneurs, community-based organizations, and local leaders at every growth stage. They provide flexible financing options including a range of debt and equity products, business advising and training, and connections to networks that support small business owners, social enterprise leaders, community-minded developers, and creators of community facilities. Their mission is to help build communities and small businesses by providing access to the capital and opportunities they deserve, with a vision of creating an economic system that respects and uplifts all peoples' right to achieve their dreams for themselves, their communities, and generations to come. As a non-profit organization, they operate through a family of branded organizations including Capital Impact Partners, CDC Small Business Finance, and Momentus Securities. Momentus Capital addresses a critical gap in the current financial system that denies local leaders and entrepreneurs the opportunity to contribute fully to their communities and shared economy. By focusing on expanding capital and opportunities for communities that have been underserved by traditional financial institutions, they serve as engines of job creation and economic activity that help build healthy communities from within.