What We Do
We connect with local borrowers, understand their capital needs, then match them with lenders to meet these needs.
What We Believe
A vibrant community is not possible unless everyone has access to economic opportunity.
CDFI Friendly South Bend joined community partners this week to launch the newest cohort of the Energy Assistance & Solar Savings Initiative (EASSI), a program helping South Bend nonprofits, businesses, schools, churches, and community organizations reduce energy costs and improve their facilities.
CDFI Friendly South Bend launches the Capital Access Collaborative, a new initiative supported by the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County to expand equitable access to capital, strengthen partnerships between lenders and technical assistance providers, and support entrepreneurs and neighborhood development across the region.
Over the past two weeks, three separate front-page stories in the South Bend Tribune highlighted projects and businesses that are making an impact in South Bend and Niles. While each story is different, they all share a common thread… access to financing and support that helped turn ideas into reality.
Entrepreneur Alejandro Saucedo turned persistence into growth through CDFI Friendly South Bend’s Capital Coaching program, helping Indiana Elite Services secure funding, expand operations, and land major contracts across the region.
Food entrepreneurs gathered in Elkhart for tours of Woodland Crossing, a capital access workshop, and networking reception hosted by CDFI Friendly South Bend.
Monreaux Development in South Bend moved forward with $13.85M in CDFI financing from Cinnaire and Intend—proving how mission-driven capital can unlock complex, mixed-income housing projects that traditional lenders won’t fund.
CDFI Friendly South Bend is welcoming five new members to its Board of Directors, strengthening its ability to expand access to capital for entrepreneurs across the region. With experience spanning entrepreneurship, financial counseling, impact investing, and nonprofit leadership, this new class brings both technical expertise and lived experience to help guide the organization’s next phase of growth and impact.
CDFI Friendly presented on capital access across the region, including events in Elkhart, IU South Bend, Notre Dame, and Niles to support entrepreneurs.
CDFI Friendly held a board retreat at Momentum Hub in South Bend to refine its mission statement and plan the organization’s future impact.
CDFI Friendly hosted a community discussion on predatory payday lending and the Community Loan Center model from the Brightpoint Development Fund to help employers offer safer loan options.