Category: News

Community Reinvestment Fund, USA Endorses Bipartisan House Resolution Supporting Small Business Financing Rights

MINNEAPOLIS —May 09, 2019 — Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) enthusiastically endorses the Small Business Borrowers’ Bill of Rights Resolution introduced in the House of Representatives earlier today in recognition of National Small Business Week. CRF is particularly proud that Congressman Dean Phillips, representing Minnesota’s Third Congressional District, was a leading force in introducing this powerful bipartisan […]

Karibu’s Grand Opening

Congratulations to Karibu Grocery & Deli, one of CRF’s customers, who held their grand opening on Friday, May 3rd! It was an afternoon of inspiration and delicious food. Attendees heard from Mayor Melvin Carter, the mayor of St. Paul, Councilmember Jane Prince, Mohamed Ali – owner of Karibu, and many others. About Karibu “Karibu” means […]

Anissa Keyes named MN’s SBA Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year

We are thrilled to announce that Anissa Keyes, owner of Arubah Emotional Health Services has been named the Small Business Administration (SBA)’s 2019 MN Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year. About Anissa and Arubah Emotional Health Services Anissa is devoted to, and a tireless advocate for, the distinct but often overlapping communities of North Minneapolis, […]

Frank Altman Named 2019 MN Progress Honoree

Congratulations to Frank Altman, co-founder and CEO of Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF), for being named a 2019 MN Progress Honoree by Finance & Commerce! 30 Years of Leadership – and Just Getting Started Frank co-founded CRF during the economic crisis of the 1980s to help solve the uncertain community development funding landscape of the time. […]

Anissa Keyes, Owner of Arubah, Named a 2019 Women in Business by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Congratulations to Anissa Keyes, founder and owner of Arubah Emotional Health Services for being named one of Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s 2019 Women in Business Honorees! We are thrilled for you, Anissa, and proud to be a part of your journey! A Career Dedicated to Healing and Empathy In 2012, Anissa opened Arubah Emotional Health Services to provide a […]

CRF Names John Bodnar Small Business Community Lender

Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) is pleased to announce it has hired a new team member—John A. Bodnar as its new Small Business Community Lender. Bodnar will be working with CRF’s small business lending team in the Chicagoland area. Bodnar has more than 22 years of experience in business and commercial banking, including the past […]

Community Reinvestment Fund, USA Receives $2.7 Million Grant from Wells Fargo Foundation

Multi-year grant will help CRF reach and serve thousands of new, diverse small business owners  MINNEAPOLIS – March 11, 2019 – Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) – a mission-driven non-profit lender dedicated to improving communities and transforming lives – is proud to be the recipient of a $2.7 million, three-year Activator Grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation […]

CRF Announces Seven New Board of Trustees Members

Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) is pleased to announce the election of seven new board members. Staff and current board members welcome David Adame, President & CEO, Chicanos Por La Causa; Gavin Borowiak, Division Manager, Midwest & Government /Not-for-Profit for Business Banking, JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A; Beatrice Kelly, Operations Director, VP, Community and Economic […]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: ASSESSING CHICAGO’S SMALL BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM

On behalf of the many contributors who have participated in this research project, we are pleased to share the following assessment of Chicago’s small- and medium-business (SMB) ecosystem. Beginning in 2018, The Chicago Community Trust, JPMorgan Chase, and Polk Bros. Foundation partnered to sponsor a comprehensive market assessment on businesses owned by women and people of color, especially those […]