Janie Barrera is president and CEO of LiftFund, a San Antonio-based non-profit that has a history of lending to small businesses, particularly those owned by women and minorities. As of May of this year, the company has beat all their past records by underwriting a total of $250 million in loans to 18,000 clients.
Increasing lending to women
LiftFund is a non-profit organization that is considered an alternative lender, providing a source of funding to many small businesses who cannot get a loan from mainstream commercial lending sources. Barrera continues to support small businesses and historically disadvantaged companies owned by women and minorities. For one thing, they are good customers -- fewer than 5 percent default on their loans.
In addition, Barrera believes in them. As she states, "knowing that we give entrepreneurs an opportunity to realize their dreams is very gratifying.” LiftFund lends to these entrepreneurs whether they have been in business for less than 5 years or over 10 years.
Serving women in 13 states
The company's loans range between $500 and $1 million, although some may be eligible to apply for loans up to $5.5 million. The company operates in 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Mexico, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. This presents more opportunities for women- and minority-owned businesses across the nation to open, expand, and stay in business.
To learn more about LiftFund loans, visit their web site at www.liftfund.com/