Community LendingWorks

Born in Majahua, Mexico, Lisbet has worked in the food industry since she was a child. Her passion for cooking led to her small business selling Mexican food in Albany. With the help and support of her husband, her business succeeded and grew. The next step in their small food business venture required additional capital, but due to traditional bank requirements for established credit and 100% collateral, Lisbet was unable to qualify for traditional financing. Through CLW, Lisbet received a small business loan, allowing her to purchase a food truck.

At first, I was suspicious and couldn’t believe it, but little by little I realized that everything CLW said was real. The process was easy and we received a lot of help completing all the necessary documents. It’s a great way to maintain liquidity, inject value into our business, and continue to grow. Now we are more visible, our sales have increased, and we will continue to grow for the community.

— Lisbet Medina, small business owner and CLW client

Enhanced Access Business Loans

CLW specializes in business and consumer loans to empower people who face barriers to traditional capital. Our Enhanced Access Business Loans are structured to reduce systemic barriers that have historically prevented racially marginalized, women, rural, and low-income entrepreneurs from accessing business capital.

Through these efforts, loans originated to women-owned businesses has equaled 52-60% of total loans since 2016, roughly double traditional lending. Between 2017 and the first quarter of 2021, loans to rural businesses grew from 18% to 23% of total loans. During the same time period, loans to racially marginalized entrepreneurs also grew steadily from 7% of loans (two out of 28 loans) to 19% (23 out of 121 loans).

CLW is making great connections, reaching more Latine community members with information about how credit can strengthen their business assets, and the resources to accomplish their goals. The process includes building trust, financial education, and assistance.

— Yunuen Tavares, CLW Loan Officer

CLW Express Lending Portal

In July 2022, CLW’s Express Lending Portal went live! The loan portal allows borrowers to apply for Rental Deposit, Credit Builder, and Personal Loans directly through our website. Without this resource, many of CLW’s borrowers would be forced to turn to a predatory lender, where rates are three-to-four times higher and can lock consumers into a cycle of debt.

Lisa Hernandez opened Arbora Medical Spa in Eugene “in an act of faith, love for my career, and wanting to stay in the medical field after a transition from military nursing.” When she needed a small business loan to help her business flourish, she turned to Community LendingWorks.

I wanted a lender who had faith and trust in building a relationship that would help cultivate the vision I have for my business, a Disabled Veteran Latina business. I chose right! Without the assistance and funding from CLW, I would not be where I am today. They saw the potential in me and my business, and helped my Cenador (strong Arbor) grow into Arbora Medical Spa.

— Lisa Hernandez, small business owner and CLW client