Grace Horan Grace Horan

Creating Connections: A Big Day for Food-Focused Entreprenuers!

What began as a bold vision came to life in a big way at the Momentum South Bend Hub. On Wednesday, we brought together entrepreneurs, community leaders, food lovers, and lending experts under one roof for a day of learning, connection, collaboration, and celebration.

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Grace Horan Grace Horan

Just Economy Conference in Washington, D.C.

This week, our Executive Director Sam Centellas and Board Member Breanna Denise Allen traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent our organization at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) Just Economy Conference—a gathering of community leaders, financial experts, and advocates from across the country working to build an inclusive economy for all.

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Grace Horan Grace Horan

Federal Developments and What They Mean for the CDFI Industry

Last month, we mentioned the weather warming up — and now, so has activity in Washington, especially as it relates to our work in the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) space.

On Friday, March 14, 2025, the CDFI Fund was placed in the administration’s crosshairs, raising concerns and questions about the future of community finance.

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Grace Horan Grace Horan

Sherman Avenue Duplexes Ribbon Cutting

Despite the chilly weather, spirits were high as community members, partners, and supporters gathered for a ribbon cutting that marked more than just the opening of a new duplex—it marked momentum.

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Scott Palmer Scott Palmer

Capital Coaching program recognized by Indiana Economic Development Corp.

CDFI Friendly South Bend’s Capital Coaching program was recently recognized by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) at its inaugural Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) Summit. 

CDFI Friendly South Bend’s executive director Sam Centellas was invited to share our Capital Coaching program with ESO representatives from across the state during a panel discussion on Access to Capital.

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Scott Palmer Scott Palmer

CDFI Friendly announces expansion into Southwest Michigan

CDFI Friendly is proud to announce an expansion of its programs into southwest Michigan. Executive Director Sam Centellas recently broke the news before a full house at the October Chamber Buzz Event hosted by the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce.

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Sam Centellas Sam Centellas

Special Events with IFF/PNC on 12/3/24

We are excited to announce that IFF (CDFI) is coming to South Bend on Tuesday, December 3rd for two exciting programs! The registration for both events is FREE through partnership with IFF and a sponsorship from PNC Bank.

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Scott Palmer Scott Palmer

Flagstar provides $100k boost to Capital Coaching, other CFSB programs

Flagstar Bank presented CDFI Friendly South Bend with a check for $100,000 Tuesday – a community development investment that will expand the capacity and reach of our Capital Coaching and other programs.

"Flagstar Bank’s investment allows us to reach more underserved communities,” said Executive Director Sam Centellas.

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Scott Palmer Scott Palmer

What’s Next for Beauty Hive?

We first told you about Beauty Hive back in 2021. Now, they’re growing again!

Owner Willie Dearing says it feels like a dream, but she’s one step closer to her ultimate goal: the moment when she knows she won’t have to work for other people anymore.

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Scott Palmer Scott Palmer

Webinar: Credit Improvement Strategies for South Bend Business Owners

We’ve teamed up with Allies for Community Business to offer the Credit Builder program, which identifies eleven important startup activities and pairs participants with a Business Coach to help complete them.

In this recent webinar, A4CB shared how entrepreneurs who have completed those startup activities — such as creating a business plan or opening a business bank account — are usually positioned for greater success than those who have not.

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Scott Palmer Scott Palmer

CFSB celebrates two-fold lending increase, other 2023 progress

Thanks to all who joined us on Zoom for the release of our Annual Report. In 2023, we celebrated a two-fold increase in overall lending, developed two new lending programs, and launched a coaching program. Read more about these highlights, or see the recorded presentation here…

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Scott Palmer Scott Palmer

CFSB Introduces Capital Coaching

This morning, more than 30 local entrepreneurs and small business hopefuls attended the Steps to Business Success webinar, where CDFI Friendly South Bend introduced our newest program, Capital Coaching. Together, the webinar and the Capital Coaching program will help new business owners start their businesses strong, and maximize their chances of being approved for financing.

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