ALBUQUERQUE, NM — DreamSpring, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, is thrilled to announce it has received a $65,000 Community Possible grant and a $250,000 Opportunity Fund grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation. Totaling $315,000, the funds enable DreamSpring to expand access to capital and resources entrepreneurs need to grow their small businesses and strengthen their communities.
The $65,000 Community Possible grant will support DreamSpring’s ongoing efforts to help entrepreneurs thrive by providing affordable capital, personalized guidance, and educational resources. The $250,000 Opportunity Fund grant — part of the U.S. Bank Foundation’s five-year, $75M charitable fund — will specifically focus on expanding equitable systems and standards that promote economic growth among underserved low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs, including women, veterans, and communities of color.
“Equitable access to financial resources is essential for creating a vibrant and inclusive economy,” says DreamSpring President and CEO Anne Haines. “The generous support from the U.S. Bank Foundation enables DreamSpring to continue breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship and fostering economic mobility for small business owners across our footprint. Together, we’re empowering dreams and transforming lives.”
Since its inception, DreamSpring has supported over 33,000 small businesses with more than $562 million in loans, helping entrepreneurs create jobs and build thriving communities. The funding from the U.S. Bank Foundation will strengthen DreamSpring’s capacity to serve small businesses, particularly in low- to moderate-income communities where access to capital is limited.
“Supporting small businesses is an investment in today and our future,” says Arturo Pérez, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank. “We are proud to work with DreamSpring to provide entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed, building stronger communities and creating lasting change.”
U.S. Bank is committed to powering human potential and creating lasting change in communities. The bank does this through the Community Possible platform, including philanthropy, community investments, and team member volunteerism.
U.S. Bancorp, with more than 70,000 employees and $686 billion in assets as of September 30, 2024, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses including consumer banking, business banking, commercial banking, institutional banking, payments and wealth management. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, community partnerships and customer service, including being named one of the 2024 World’s Most Ethical Companies and Fortune’s most admired superregional bank. Learn more at usbank.com/about.