Arkansas CDFI Coalition

Amanda Phillips has transformed Tamp & Grind into a thriving coffee hub in Alexandria, Louisiana. With support from Communities Unlimited, she expanded, created jobs, and recently celebrated 15 years of success. https://lnkd.in/gGKqpNNf

CU Healthy Foods partner Dan Spatz, owner of Healthy Flavors in Conway, AR, spoke with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette last month about how the federal funding freeze is impacting his farm. He now faces uncertainty over a contract with the USDA — funding that helps sustain local agriculture. "Our farm is here to serve the community and provide nutritious meals to local school kids," Dan told the Democrat-Gazette. "If (the new administration) doesn't follow through on this obligation, they are harming our local communities." Read more about Dan’s fight to keep local food accessible: https://lnkd.in/gMvGv9FA

To all of my friends, colleagues and partners in the #CDFI industry: Thank you for the irreplaceable work you do every day to bring #capital to people, places and #smallbusiness in low-income communities across America - rural and urban, red and blue. Without you, #banks and #creditunions would be challenged to #lend and #invest in these communities. I started my career at one of the original CDFIs, ShoreBank, two years after the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) came into existence. It has become one of the most efficient and effective #government programs in existence. Moreover, CDFIs have become a critical distribution partner for a variety of other important federal programs. We at the Financial Health Network stand with you! Luz Urrutia Daniel Nissenbaum Bulbul Gupta Harold Pettigrew, Jr. Matthew Roth Joe Neri Saurabh Narain Justine Zinkin Opportunity Finance Network

Washington Post Highlights What’s at Stake for CDFI Banks Today’s Washington Post spotlights the serious risks facing Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) under a new executive order aimed at shrinking the CDFI Fund. The order raises concerns about potential funding cuts for mission-driven banks that provide critical capital to small businesses and underserved communities nationwide. The article makes it clear: CDFI banks serve communities across the political spectrum—60% of CDFI branches are in Republican congressional districts and 55% in states with two Republican senators. Any cuts to the fund would directly impact rural and low-income areas, reducing access to capital where it’s needed most. Thank you to CDBA Chairperson Darrin Williams (CEO, Southern Bancorp) and CDBA Board Member Joe Quiroga (President, Texas National Bank) for speaking out in the article on behalf of CDFI banks. ?? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dQ9RMkN6 #CDFIs #CommunityDevelopment #BankingForGood #EconomicOpportunity

Looking for ways to fund and expand your business? Don't miss "Growing Your Business Through Loans" on April 2, 6-7:30 P.M. in New Orleans, LA! Hope Credit Union's Small Business Loan Officer Ramona Sanders will be part of an expert panel discussing how entrepreneurs can access the capital they need to thrive. Save the date and join the conversation! ??Location: 4055 Washington Avenue, New Orleans, LA Time: 6:30- 7:00 P.M.

Get information about SBA's programs and services from Adriene Brown at the NW Arkansas Empower Summit. For more information and to register, visit https://lnkd.in/gqZ29Dcn. #ARDO #SCORE

Don't let time (or your taxes) get away from you this year. Stop by any participating Southern Bancorp branch on Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 10th, and we'll take care of your taxes for free! Find a participating location near you at banksouthern.com/vita. *No account needed. Eligibility guidelines: annual income of $67,000 or less