In recent years, small businesses in the U.S. have faced significant challenges, ranging from the pandemic and natural disasters to economic headwinds like inflation and higher interest rates. These obstacles have tested the resilience of small businesses and put a spotlight on their difficulties in accessing affordable capital. For the smallest and most vulnerable businesses, […]
Webinar: Tax Season Made Easy, Strategies for Small Businesses
CRF Webinar – Tax Season Made Easy: Strategies for Small Bussinesses
The SSBCI Annual Report: What You Need to Know
If you are one of the jurisdictions participating in the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), you are required to submit an annual report to the U.S. Treasury Department. Participants must submit annual reports for each calendar year by March 31 of the following year. For example, the annual report due date for the […]
SSBCI Quarterly Reporting: 3 Things You Should Know
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) quarterly reporting doesn’t need to be a daunting task. Planning and keeping several key reporting requirements top of mind will help participating jurisdictions efficiently and accurately fulfill reporting requirements. Before getting started, be sure to read and review the U.S Treasury’s Capital Program Reporting Guidance document which outlines details […]
What is the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)?
The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and provides a combined $10 billion to states, the District of Columbia, territories, and Tribal governments to expand access to capital for small businesses emerging from the pandemic. This is the second iteration of SSBCI – the original […]
Linnea Dockter Wins Top Women in Finance Award
We are excited to share that CRF’s Director of Bond Guarantee Program Linnea Dockter received a 2024 Top Women in Finance award from Finance and Commerce. Finance and Commerce is an independent daily newspaper providing news, analysis, and commentary on Minnesota business. Their Top Women in Finance award recognizes industry-leading executives, business owners, and entrepreneurs […]
Fifth Third Launches Small Business Catalyst Fund in Partnership with Community Reinvestment Fund, USA
$7.85M in investments will help build a more equitable small business ecosystem CINCINNATI— Fifth Third Bank has partnered with Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) to launch the Small Business Catalyst Fund, a $7.85M investment that will empower small businesses across Fifth Third’s 11-state footprint to grow and create jobs in their communities and build a more […]
U.S. Department of the Treasury Announces BGP Issuance to CRF
CRF will use the $325 million issuance to support three CDFIs The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) has announced the issuance of $325 million in bonds to CRF through the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program (BGP). With this issuance, CRF will issue bonds on behalf of three organizations, including […]
CRF receives $20 million gift from Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott
Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) is tremendously honored to receive a record $20 million grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This is the second award CRF has received from Scott, having received a $15 million donation in 2020. The unprecedented size and unique structure of this grant provides CRF with an extraordinary opportunity to maximize our […]