About
Greenwood Archer Capital (GAC) formerly Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives Micro Finance Group is a non for profit 501c(3) Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) organization founded in 2012 to supply micro and small business loans catalyzing small business development throughout the metropolitan Chicago area and its adjacent suburbs and greater Cook county Illinois.
Black Wall Street
Greenwood Archer Capital's (GAC) name pays homage to Black Wall Street. Greenwood & Archer was the main intersection in the Greenwood District and the epicenter of Black Wall Street which generated hundreds of successful Black-owned businesses. Take a look back to learn more about the rich history of this dynamic business hub and entrepreneurial center.
Mission
We lend our knowledge and capital to:
Reverse the impact of institutional racism;
Grow independent vibrant Black communities; and
Create an environment led by purpose.
Values
We are honest, fair, and build trust through transparency
We lead with passion and a commitment to serving the needs of Black entrepreneurs
We ensure that our products and services are accessible and adequately meet the needs of our clients
We are bold, innovative, and creative in our lending approach
We value community voice and learning from those we serve and integrate this knowledge at all levels of the organization
We exhibit optimism and a strong will to create opportunities that help communities grow and thrive
We foster humanity in the workplace and beyond
We strive to make investments that create lasting and sustainable impact in the community
Vision
We work every day to create an equitable world where Black businesses have equal access to all forms of capital.
Impact
18M
Dollars
Deployed
GAC has deployed over $18 million in loans and grants to small business owners.
$23K
Average Loan
Size
Access to capital can make all the difference in keeping entrepreneurs in business. At GAC, the average business loans we approve are slightly over $23,000.
82%
Loans to Black
Entrepreneurs
GAC is rooted in the growth of Black-owned businesses across the greater Chicago area.
33%
Loans to Start-Up
Businesses
GAC works to create opportunities for small business owners at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
71%
Loans to Low-to-Moderate
Income Borrowers
GAC’s products and services are accessible to small business owners of all income brackets.
49%
Loans to Women
Borrowers
With almost half of GAC’s funding being deployed to women entrepreneurs, we are standing in the gap to help level the playing field for women business owners.
1,600
Small Businesses
Served
The GAC team is proud to have served more than 1,600 entrepreneurs.
1000+
Jobs Created and
Retained
Access to capital helps position businesses for growth which often leads to an increase in workforce. Over the course of our loan program, we have helped create over 1000 jobs for Chicago communities.
*Does not include jobs impacted from grants deployed.
Apply for a Loan
GAC’s products and services provide access to all forms of capital for business owners in underserved, economically distressed communities that do not have access to conventional sources of financing.
Make a donation.
Help us level the playing field and create an equitable world where Black-owned small businesses have equal access to all forms of capital.