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Impact Stories

Explore a few of our impact stories to see the difference our CDFI consulting and grant services have made to financial institutions and communities across the US.

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Bank of St. Francisville

St. Francisville, LA – UNLOC HELOC

UNLOC HELOC. A new Home Equity line of credit purposefully designed to enable customers to achieve their financial goals by utilizing the equity in their home to unlock their potential. Reduced costs, more favorable terms and rate reduction incentives with completion of home ownership/financial education class prior to closing enables homeowners to utilize their homes to unlock their potential and tap into previously inaccessible opportunities. Customers can borrow up to 100% of the appraised value of their family residence to start or grow small businesses, to lower their interest rate and pay off credit card debt, to pay off student loans, pay for their children’s’ education, make improvements to their home and more. The structure of the UNLOC HELOC allows consumers to better utilize their financial resources to enhance their family’s quality of life.

Merchants and Planters Bank

Raymond, MS – IMPACT Mortgage

This new product meets one of the greatest needs of consumers by making home ownership available to residents that might not otherwise qualify for mainstream mortgage financing. With its more flexible underwriting criteria and financial literacy component, the IMPACT Mortgage is designed to enable more low-income residents to become homeowners for the first time. Home ownership has many benefits, including providing families with a place that is their own and the opportunity to build wealth over time through equity. Home ownership is also one of the most effective means of eradicating multi-generational poverty.

Merchants _ Planters Bank_ IMPACT Mortgage-86486321

The Jefferson Bank_ Special Purpose Credit Program-1401722160

South Georgia Banking Company

Tifton, Georgia – Small and Beginning Farmer Loan Program

South Georgia Banking Company developed the Small and Beginning Farmer Loan Program to expand access to capital for a new generation of farmers across rural South Georgia. Agriculture is the foundation of the region’s economy, yet many small and beginning producers face barriers such as limited collateral, high debt coverage requirements, and restrictive down payment standards that prevent them from obtaining financing through traditional lenders. This program addressed these challenges through modified underwriting criteria, reduced debt coverage minimums, and higher advance rates for land, equipment, and operating loans. Through this initiative, the Bank helped empower small and beginning farmers purchase equipment, acquire land, and finance production expenses, enabling them to grow viable operations and sustain the agricultural economy.

Guaranty Bank & Trust Company

Delhi, LA – Hurry Home Program

This product is designed to provide financing for the acquisition of and/or improvements to existing stock of 1- 4 family and multi-family affordable housing units which are in substandard condition, with the intent of improving and re-selling or renting the units to low-to-moderate income families to provide a greater inventory of affordable housing options to area residents. Increased loan to value ratios, debt service ratios and reduced credit scores and fees enable more residents to qualify. This new product will not only increase the inventory of affordable housing units, but it will also help rehabilitate vacant, neglected properties, removing eyesores and increasing safety and property values throughout the community.

Guaranty Bank _ Trust Company_ Hurry Home Program-83480776

Peoples Bank

Mendenhall, Mississippi – BizUp Small Business Program

Peoples Bank launched the BizUp initiative to expand access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs across its rural Mississippi service area. Recognizing that many local business owners struggle to qualify for traditional credit due to limited collateral, thin credit histories, or lower income levels, BizUp was designed to provide flexible, affordable financing tailored to meet their needs. Through this program, the Bank offers micro and small business loans with competitive rates, simplified underwriting, and hands-on technical assistance. Participants receive guidance in business planning, budgeting, and financial management to ensure long-term success. By pairing responsible credit with capacity-building support, BizUp empowers entrepreneurs to sustain and grow local enterprises, create jobs, and strengthen rural economies.

Pioneer Community Bank

Iaeger, West Virginia – Growth and Community Revitalization Initiative

The Bank is focused on expanding its capacity to deliver responsible financial products across Southern West Virginia’s most economically distressed communities. Serving a region marked by persistent poverty, population decline, and limited access to credit, the Bank sought to leverage CDFI resources to scale lending, strengthen capital, and deepen its community impact. Through the initiative, the Bank is increasing small business, mortgage, and consumer lending that support local entrepreneurs, revitalize main streets, and help working families achieve financial stability. The growth strategy has positioned the Bank to reach new borrowers, enhance liquidity, and promote sustainable economic development throughout its Target Market.

The Samson Banking Company, Inc.

Samson, Alabama – Small Dollar Loan Program

This product provides affordable, responsible credit to working individuals and families who often face limited access to traditional financing. In many rural communities, residents rely on costly alternatives such as payday lenders or check-cashing services to meet short-term financial needs. Through the program, borrowers can access small personal loans with low fixed rates, modest fees, and flexible repayment terms. Each loan includes a built-in savings component, encouraging participants to set aside funds during the repayment period and establish positive savings habits. By coupling responsible lending with financial empowerment, small dollar loans are helping residents build credit, avoid cycles of debt, and achieve greater financial security.

Peoples Bank of Greensboro

Greensboro, Alabama – New Market Initiative

The Bank expanded its reach within Alabama’s rural Black Belt to serve communities that have long faced systemic poverty and limited access to financial services. Through its New Market initiative, the Bank continues to increase access to affordable consumer, small business, and agricultural loans while promoting financial education and relationship banking. Building on a record in which 95% of lending supports borrowers in Persistent Poverty Counties, the expansion brings responsible financial services to more residents and small businesses—helping families build assets, sustain enterprises, and strengthen local economies across Alabama’s underserved Black Belt region.

Fidelity Bank

West Memphis, Arkansas – Expansion into Greene County

Fidelity Bank has built a reputation for advancing financial inclusion across the Arkansas Delta. The Bank expanded its community development mission into Greene County, Arkansas, a rural area with poverty rates as high as 40% in some census tracts. Through the Loan Production Office in Paragould, the Bank offers agricultural, small business, and affordable housing loans—each tailored to the needs of underserved borrowers. This expansion initiative allows the Bank to strengthen credit access for farmers, small business owners, and working families, creating opportunity, stability, and sustainable growth across rural Arkansas.

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