ncarol.com - New BofA Platform Connects Small Businesses to CDFI Capital and Coaching

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 27, 2024 ~ Bank of America Launches New Platform to Connect Small Businesses with Capital and Support

In an effort to support entrepreneurs and small business owners, Bank of America has recently launched the Access to Capital Connector. This online platform is designed to connect small businesses with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and other business support organizations for capital, coaching, and resources.

The Access to Capital Connector was created in partnership with Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF), a national nonprofit CDFI and long-time partner of Bank of America. The platform allows small business applicants to answer a series of questions in order to become pre-qualified. It then presents them with a list of participating organizations that are best suited to meet their specific needs. Currently, over 150 CDFIs and other support organizations are participating on the platform, offering capital and resources for entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey.

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According to Sharon Miller, President of Small Business for Bank of America, thousands of small businesses fail each year due to a lack of connections, resources, and funding. Through this partnership with CRF, Bank of America aims to strengthen connections between start-ups, entrepreneurs, and funding partners in order to fuel new ideas, create jobs, and generate economic value.

Patrick Davis, Senior Vice President of Platform and Technology Services for CRF, emphasizes the importance of providing small businesses with access to responsible capital and resources. He states that when small businesses have these tools at their disposal, they are able to create jobs, build wealth, and provide essential services for their communities. Davis also praises Bank of America as a strong partner in CRF's efforts to serve underrepresented entrepreneurs.

The Access to Capital Connector is an evolution from the Bank of America Access to Capital Directory series that was launched in 2021. This series has already garnered over 25,000 users and 120,000 views. The platform offers a wide range of capital sources, including equity, debt, and grant capital.

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Bank of America has been supporting CDFIs for over 25 years and is the largest private investor in them. Through partnerships with over 250 CDFIs, the bank has provided $2 billion in loans, deposits, capital grants, and equity investments. Pam Seagle, Senior Vice President of Inclusive Entrepreneurship for Bank of America, highlights the impact of their extensive network in fostering economic opportunities for individuals and communities.

In addition to their support for CDFIs, Bank of America is also the nation's top small business lender. As of year-end 2023, the bank's total loan portfolio for small businesses was $43.7 billion according to the FDIC. With a focus on providing advice, solutions, access to capital, and dedicated support to their 11 million business owner clients, Bank of America is committed to helping small businesses thrive.

The launch of the Access to Capital Connector is just one example of Bank of America's ongoing efforts to support small businesses and foster a thriving small business ecosystem. By streamlining the connection between entrepreneurs and CDFIs designed to serve them, this platform has the potential to make a significant impact on the success and resilience of small businesses across the country.

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