Bridging Virginia

Bridging Virginia: Now a Certified CDFI! We’re thrilled to announce that as of last week, Bridging Virginia is officially certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury! This certification validates our core mission: To close the gap of access to capital for historically marginalized small business in Virginia. We recognize that the current environment may feel uncertain, but this only strengthens our commitment to advancing equity and economic justice. This milestone belongs to everyone—our partners, funders, clients, board, and devoted team members. Together, we’re building a more inclusive economy that serves all communities. Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s keep moving forward, Virginia. This is just the beginning. Leah Fremouw Harrison Roday Leesa Christian, CPA Matthew Ho Philip Hatfield Marland Buckner Dr. Christie Cade, PhD. Cynthia Hudson Chris Cain Michelle Jones Elizabeth Gilbert Kaetzel Vjaughn Ingraham Heather Lyne Emma Tilley Rufus Tyler Howard Hesson Floyd E Miller, M. Ed.,QMHP Melody Short Abdulahi Hassen Abeaw Joshua E. Pooja Mehta

Happy National Entrepreneurship Month from Bridging Virginia! This month, we honor the extraordinary entrepreneurs who pour their hearts into their work, taking risks, overcoming obstacles, and building the dreams that bring life to our communities. Each of you is a testament to resilience, innovation, and courage. Your journey—the late nights, the setbacks, the triumphs—is what inspires us every day. Supporting you is not just our mission; it’s our privilege and passion. We’re here to stand by your side, providing the resources, guidance, partnerships and care you need at every stage—whether you are just starting a business or have been growing one for years. To every entrepreneur, thank you for your commitment and hard work. You are what makes our communities flourish, and we are endlessly grateful for you. We invite everyone to explore and support some of our amazing entrepreneurs here: https://lnkd.in/ghHMazak. Here's to you and your incredible journey.

Today is Election Day! Your voice matters, and your vote is your power. Make sure to cast your ballot and be part of shaping your community’s future. Polling hours are from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. As long as you are in line by 7:00 p.m., you will be able to vote. Find your polling location at https://ow.ly/hbmG50TZYa8 Not in Virginia and need help finding your polling place? Visit nass.org/can-I-vote for the latest information from your state or local election authority. Every vote counts – make yours heard! Happy voting!

?? What an amazing time at our recent Capital Gainz event with U.S. Senator Mark Warner 's office and FICO! ?? We had an engaging discussion about the importance of credit scores and how they can impact financial opportunities for individuals and businesses alike. This opportunity was brought by Bridging Virginia & The Metropolitan Business League's capital access HUB. A huge thank you to everyone who participated! Your enthusiasm and engagement made the event a success. ?? We're excited to announce that more events are on the horizon, so stay tuned for future opportunities to learn and connect! Let’s continue to empower our community with the knowledge they need to thrive! ???? #CapitalGainz #SenatorWarner #FICO #CreditScores #FinancialLiteracy #CommunityEngagement #MoreToCome

Happy Native American Heritage Month! ?? Bridging Virginia is proud to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, honoring the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous communities. With nearly 600 Tribal Nations across the United States, each with unique languages and traditions, this month we reflect on their resilience and invaluable heritage. Let’s celebrate and learn from the voices of our Indigenous colleagues, friends, and neighbors, whose wisdom and culture enrich us all. Learn more about Native American Heritage Month: https://lnkd.in/enD5B7X5

Our amazing President & CEO Leah Fremouw joined an incredible lineup at the Women's Business Center of Central Virginia’s Wealth and Wellness Conference to discuss “Building a Wealth Mindset.” Leah shared insights on cultivating financial success through intentional strategies, healthy money habits, and succession planning, empowering entrepreneurs to approach wealth with clarity and purpose. This impactful one-day event, held at the scenic Lost Office Collaborative in Richmond, provided a unique space for attendees to connect, learn, and enhance both their personal and business well-being.

?? Women’s Small Business Spotlight: Creative NxGen ?? Meet Charlene J. Reynolds, the founder of Creative NxGen Petroleum, a 100% woman-and-minority-owned bulk fuel distributor. Established in 2017, Charlene’s determination and expertise has propelled her to lead in an industry where women and minority-owned businesses are rare. As one of the only few women-and-minority-owned petroleum companies in Virginia, Creative NxGen delivers fuel solutions to vital sectors like hospitals, universities, and public transit, while standing as a beacon of possibility for women in traditionally male-dominated industries. This National Women’s Small Business Month, we celebrate Charlene’s and Creative NxGen’s unstoppable drive, inspiring other women-owned businesses to break barriers and lead with confidence. Visit their website at https://cngpetroleum.com/ #WomensSmallBusinessMonth #CreativeNxGen #WomenInBusiness

Leah Fremouw and Elizabeth Gilbert Kaetzel hit the streets of LA today on the CDFIs in Action Tour at the Opportunity Finance Network Conference, hosted by Inclusive Action for the City! They dove into the heart of the Pi?ata District to meet the entrepreneurs behind LA's iconic street vending scene, learning about the fight for street vendor justice and how these resilient vendors are growing their businesses through access to capital. The tour continued to Hollywood Blvd, where they connected with more entrepreneurs in the city’s open-air economy. It was a hands-on journey through LA’s rich culture, with food, vendors, and an inspiring glimpse of grassroots entrepreneurship in action.

Celebrating all things CDFI in LA this week at #OFN40! Our Bridging Virginia team— Leah Fremouw, Elizabeth Gilbert Kaetzel, and Chris Cain—have arrived at the sold-out 40th Opportunity Finance Network conference to celebrate 40 years of community development financing in our BIPOC communities. Congresswoman Maxine Waters kicked off #OFN40 yesterday, and our team is off to a great start, hearing from pioneers and passionate advocates working toward equity. Day 2 is underway, and we’re celebrating the organizations and people who strengthen our communities. Thanks, Donna Gambrell, for a great kickoff today! Looking forward to more panels, knowledge-sharing, and connecting with colleagues! If you’re attending, stop by and say hello to the Bridging Virginia team. Stay tuned for more updates! #CDFI #OFN40 #CommunityDevelopment #CapitalForGood Harold Pettigrew, Jr.

Leah Fremouw will be joining the Coalition Network meeting Wed to share how the Virginia CDFI Coalition nurtures partnerships across the state and beyond. Be sure to stop by!