Introducing CDFIs as a Way to Invest in Economic Inclusion

The purpose of this presentation is to introduce Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) as an impactful and competitive investment. CDFIs have a strong history of providing economic resources to financially underserved communities across America, helping to create jobs, fund small businesses, and support affordable housing development.

Large banks and foundations of all sizes have been investing in CDFIs for decades. Until recently, investing in a diverse pool of CDFIs at scale presented significant challenges for all but the savviest of investors. Now, with CNote, investors of all sizes can deploy capital across a diverse pool of CDFIs with ease. What are CDFIs?

This presentation will provide an overview of the CDFI industry, its history, how CDFIs are certified by the Department of Treasury, their mission and the types of investments CDFIs make in the communities they serve. Most importantly, this webinar will explore the way increased capital access and CDFI lending activities can have a transformative effect.

We will discuss concrete examples of how ACE has helped local entrepreneurs and businesses create jobs and bring sustained economic prosperity to their communities. This webinar will also cover traditional methods of investing in CDFIs, the capital needs of CDFIs and how CNote is connecting investors and CDFIs to scale community investments across America.

This presentation was co-hosted by:

Martina Edwards, Chief of Strategic Partnerships, for Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs. ACE is a Georgia-based CDFI that has emerged as a leader in responsive and innovative small business financing.

Catherine Berman, CEO, CNote. Based in Oakland, CA, CNote is an award-winning investment platform that streamlines the process of investing in CDFIs for investors of all sizes from individuals to institutions.