Empowering Black entrepreneurs: Bridging the gap through intentional lending

Black Business Month is more than a time for recognition; it is an opportunity to address the persistent economic disparities faced by Black entrepreneurs and to champion solutions that promote equity and inclusion. Historically, Black businesses have been the backbone of their communities, providing essential services, creating jobs, and fostering economic stability. Yet, despite their resilience and contributions, Black entrepreneurs continue to face barriers to accessing capital and resources necessary for growth and sustainability. Intentional lending is a crucial strategy to bridge this gap. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) that promote access to capital for underserved people and communities allow Black entrepreneurs the ability to create wealth-building opportunities and break barriers for generations to come. At Intend Indiana, we created our CDFI loan fund, Build Fund, with the understanding that we cannot create a truly equitable community if we treat lending as a one-size-fits-all proposition. Our focus on intentional lending ensures that we are not merely providing financial assistance but are actively working to dismantle systemic barriers that have historically limited opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. Through our Build Fund, we’ve gone on to create a Special Purpose Credit Program specifically designed to support African American small business owners. This program...