Platform offers educational resources and reliable loan options for small businesses
Chicago—Small Business Majority and Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF), two organizations committed to helping business owners navigate the complicated world of small business lending, are proud to announce a new partnership to expand access to lending options for small firms in the Chicago area.
Small Business Majority and CRF partnered to integrate CRF’s existing loan-matching tool, Connect2Capital, into Venturize.org, Small Business Majority’s free online resource hub that provides unbiased information about small business lending and how to become loan-ready.
“Getting even a small loan could make a huge difference toward determining whether or not a business succeeds or fails,” said Illinois Outreach Manager Geraldine Sanchez Aglipay. “Securing funding is a major challenge for almost all entrepreneurs, and we’re thrilled to partner with CRF to provide entrepreneurs in Chicagoland with the tools they need to make the best decisions for their small business.”
Connect2Capital is a user-friendly tool designed for Chicagoland small business owners to connect to multiple responsible lending options through one quick and easy application. Matches are based on the borrower’s self-reported business and credit information, the amount needed and other factors such as geographic location and industry.
“CRF is excited to partner with Small Business Majority to help smooth the path for business owners in Chicago looking for responsible financing by providing an easy-to-use online application that will match business owners to mission-driven lenders or resource providers in minutes,” said Patrick Davis, Vice President of Program Strategy and Development for CRF.
Lenders participating in the online loan matching tool include Accion, Women’s Business Development Center, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives and CRF. Business owners who are not matched will have access to Small Business Majority’s Resource Locator Map and a host of online resources to help them strengthen future loan applications.
To learn more, please visit: https://venturize.org/connect2capital/illinois
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Small Business Majority was founded and is run by small business owners to ensure America’s entrepreneurs are a key part of a thriving and inclusive economy. We actively engage our network of more than 58,000 small business owners in support of public policy solutions and deliver information and resources to entrepreneurs that promote small business growth. Our extensive scientific polling, focus groups and economic research help us educate and inform policymakers, the media and other stakeholders about key issues impacting small businesses and freelancers. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
About Community Reinvestment Fund, USA
Founded in 1988, Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) is a national non-profit organization with a mission to empower people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities through innovative financial solutions. A leading Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CRF supports mission-driven organizations, increases economic mobility, and builds strong local economies through the development of solutions aimed at creating an equitable financial system. CRF has injected more than $2.4 billion to stimulate job creation and economic development and support community facilities. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin.
