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We are proud to share a monumental milestone in our organization’s history. BDC Community Capital has officially been certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund.
This prestigious designation is not just a badge of honor—it is a powerful tool. It marks our formal entry into an elite network of mission-driven financial institutions dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable lending to underserved people and communities that lack access to traditional banking channels.
With this certification, BDC Community Capital is poised to scale its lending operations, bringing vital resources to small businesses, diverse entrepreneurs, and local economic development projects across the region.
What is a CDFI Certification?
The CDFI Fund was created by the U.S. Treasury to promote economic revitalization and community development in low-income and distressed communities.
To achieve certification, an organization must undergo a rigorous vetting process to prove it meets strict federal requirements. A certified CDFI must have a primary mission of promoting community development, serve an intentional target market, and provide both financial products and educational services to its clients.
By bridging the gap between traditional finance and under-resourced markets, CDFIs act as economic stabilizers.
Unlocking New Horizons: What This Means for Our Capital Pipeline
Achieving CDFI certification fundamentally changes our capacity to drive local impact. It unlocks a massive suite of federal and private resources that were previously unavailable to us:
- Federal Grant Awards: We are now eligible to apply for direct federal funding through the CDFI Program, which we can deploy as flexible, low-interest capital for local businesses.
- New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC): This designation positions us to leverage tax credits that attract significant private investment into major community revitalization and real estate projects.
- Increased Institutional Partnerships: Major commercial banks often partner with CDFIs to fulfill their Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) requirements. This certification allows us to attract substantial capital pools from institutional banks looking to invest in our mission.
- Expanded Technical Assistance: Beyond lending, we will receive resources to expand our business coaching, financial literacy, and advisory programs for growing entrepreneurs.
A Vision for an Equitable Regional Economy
"Achieving CDFI certification is a validation of what BDC has stood for since day one: the belief that every viable business deserves an equitable shot at capital," says Paul F. Flynn, Jr., President and CEO of BDC Capital. "This designation gives us the fuel to go deeper into our communities, lower the barriers to entry for diverse business owners, and partner with regional banks to fund projects that change the trajectory of local neighborhoods."
Partner With Us
Our new designation opens up incredible avenues for collaboration across the financial and entrepreneurial sectors.
- Are you a small business owner in a historically underserved area? Contact our community lending team to learn about our flexible loan products and technical support.
- Are you an institutional banker or investor? Let's discuss how investing through BDC Community Capital can maximize your CRA impact and fuel sustainable regional development.
