We’re always working with our partners on the ground and major funders to develop and innovate programs to create opportunities for small business owners, equipping them with growth capital, know-how, and connections. Here’s a look at some of our programs.
Financing small businesses & entrepreneurial ecosystems
- We provide low-cost loans and technical assistance aimed at helping small businesses compete for corporate and government procurement contracts through our Supplier Diversity program.
- We facilitate and match zero-interest, crowdsourced small-business loans through the Kiva platform.
- We offer a suite of affordable commercial and real estate loans to provide business working capital, money to make leasehold improvements, and capital for developing community-enhancing maker spaces and commercial projects.
- With a variety of funding partners, we co-design small-business grant programs targeted to specific demographics or local markets.
- We co-create and deploy impact investment funds, and administer partners’ investment funds, through our affiliate Broadstreet Impact Services—with a focus on creating jobs and entrepreneurial opportunity in underinvested communities.
Providing technical assistance & supports
- In a partnership with Verizon and NextStreet, we offer a free online teaching and personalized coaching platform to help entrepreneurs master all things digital, from next-level marketing to managing credit and generating financial statements.
- We partner with Hello Alice, a digital platform providing New Majority entrepreneurs with education, mentorship, and funding.
- We support LISC’s network of over 170+ business development organizations with ongoing capacity-building resources, education, and peer-learning opportunities.