Advancing economic opportunity, Borrowers, Community engagement, Investors

Building a New, More Equitable Normal for Small Business and Nonprofits

Posted by Tyana Smith
On June 10, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated the effects of centuries of racist policies. If we don’t act fast, this crisis will rob our communities of vibrancy, diversity, and strength for many generations to come. The current global recognition of the deep roots of racism reinforces how critical it is to use all the tools in one’s toolbox to advance racial justice. As such, finance can and should be used as a tool for change in advancing economic and health equity in our communities. Together, we can turn the tide.

Advancing economic opportunity, Borrowers, Community engagement

Small Businesses & Nonprofits Respond to COVID-19

Posted by Tyana Smith
On April 27, 2020

The COVID-19 crisis has forced small businesses and nonprofits around the world, including our Advance borrowers, to forget business as usual and respond in creative ways to best serve their community and survive—quickly. From delivering essential household goods and locally sourced food to staying connected with families by livestreaming nature walks, these businesses and organizations demonstrate the flexibility, resilience, and heart that make small businesses critical for communities to thrive.

Advancing economic opportunity, Borrowers, Social determinants of health

Finding the way back through evidence-based holistic treatment

Posted by Wilda Wong
On April 21, 2020

The Way Back uses trauma-informed care in its client activities—clinical groups, education groups, mindfulness meditation, relapse prevention groups, codependency groups, anger management, emotional regulation, and individual psychotherapy. “We are training men to be better fathers, better husbands, better employees, to stay out of prison, to work, to communicate,” says The Way Back Executive Director Chris Thomas, a licensed therapist who has been sober for 25 years. “Men are an important part of family structure, and addiction is a family disease.”

Borrowers, Resources

COVID-19 Letter to Borrowers

Posted by Lauren Grattan
On March 18, 2020

We're sharing with you—our community—the same message for small businesses and nonprofits that we provided to our active borrowers. During this challenging time, stay true to your values and support each other. None of us will come out of this unchanged. See our COVID-19 resources for small businesses and nonprofits.

Advancing economic opportunity, Borrowers, Resources

5 Things to Know About Impact-Based Loans

Posted by Tyana Smith
On February 27, 2020

There comes a time for many small businesses and nonprofits when you’re ready to grow and expand, but find yourself in an awkward, in-between space—you’ve outgrown microfinance and often SBA loans, but don’t quite fit bank financing criteria. See how an impact-based loan can help.

Advancing economic opportunity, Borrowers, Early childhood, Gender equity

Closing education gaps with creative capital

Posted by Tyana Smith
On August 18, 2019

How Advance borrower Bethany Chaffin used creative capital to enrich the lives of more students in North County San Diego When we first met Bethany Chaffin, director of the education enrichment center Friends of Willow Tree, in 2018 she faced a challenging capital gap. Friends of Willow Tree needed a loan ahead of private and […]

Advancing economic opportunity, Borrowers, Community engagement, News, Why I invest

Developing Community with Creative Capital

Posted by Tyana Smith
On July 18, 2019

How Advance borrower Kris Schlesser Uses Creative Capital to strengthen community When we first met Kris Schlesser, founder of LuckyBolt, he was six years into a quest to make the perfect breakfast burrito easily accessible to professionals on the go. He had been financing the business with high-interest credit cards and microloans. Though he had […]

Advancing economic opportunity, Borrowers, Gender equity, Racial equity, Sustainable systems

Supporting African Artisans at Work and Beyond

Posted by Tyana Smith
On May 16, 2019

In honor of the one-year anniversary of our official launch party, we’re catching up with one of our very first borrowers, All Across Africa. Since our investment in late 2017, All Across Africa has: Employed 400 new artisans. Provided solar lights to their artisans in Rwanda on a lease-to-own model, 37% below market price. This […]

Affordable homeownership, Borrowers, Investors, News

New Financing Model Unlocks Millions to Build Affordable Homes

Posted by Tyana Smith
On May 16, 2019

Investors in non-traditional fund address San Diego’s housing crisis (San Diego)—May 16, 2019—Today, Mission Driven Finance announces that investors have contributed more than $1 million to a revolutionary fund that will support the construction of affordable homes for low-income families. Investors concerned about the region’s housing crisis contributed to Mission Driven Finance’s Homebuilding Investment Fund […]

Borrowers, News

Collaborative Approach Unlocks $12MM Project Transforming Youth Lives

Posted by Lauren Grattan
On December 26, 2018

Mission Driven Finance, Civic San Diego, and Alliance Healthcare Foundation provide critical funding for nonprofit Access Youth Academy’s new athletic and academic facility in Southeast San Diego FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: Lauren Grattan | 858-880-0252 | lauren@missiondrivenfinance.com (SAN DIEGO)—January 15, 2019—Mission Driven Finance recently announced a coordinated investment with Civic San Diego and Alliance […]

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