Working together to expand affordable capital for housing and small businesses across Arizona
PHOENIX (November 5, 2025) – The Arizona CDFI Network and the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) today announced a joint project to create an Arizona CDFI Landscape study and Investment Playbook. The project will map gaps in community lending statewide and outline practical steps that funders and policymakers can take to increase access to affordable capital in low- to moderate-income communities.
“CDFIs help families, entrepreneurs, and communities build lasting wealth. This project will give Arizona leaders clear data and next steps to bring more capital where it is needed the most,” said Marla Bilonick, President and CEO, NALCAB.
“Our state is experiencing record growth at a rate that’s outrunning community banking services, leaving many families vulnerable to costly, high-interest financing,” said Andre T. Whittington, Executive Director, Growth Partners Arizona, and Co-Chair of the Arizona CDFI Network. “By clarifying where capital is not flowing and why, we can direct investment to overlooked communities and help more Arizonans access homeownership and start or grow small businesses.”
As the first statewide initiative of its kind led jointly by the Arizona CDFI Network and NALCAB, the Landscape Study will provide a comprehensive view of Arizona’s CDFI capacity and needs. The work draws on NALCAB’s experience conducting a California CDFI landscape analysis and co-leading a national study of Latino-serving CDFIs. It brings tested research tools and practical recommendations to Arizona.
The Arizona CDFI Landscape Study and Investment Playbook are scheduled for completion in late 2026. Upon release, the Arizona CDFI Network and NALCAB will convene statewide partners to present the findings and launch the Playbook. The convening will provide an opportunity for leaders across sectors to align data-driven strategies that inform investment priorities, strengthen policy coordination, and expand equitable access to capital across Arizona.
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About NALCAB
NALCAB is a one-of-a-kind CDFI intermediary with 200+ member CDFI and economic development nonprofit member organizations that are working to maximize the economic contributions of the Latino population to the U.S. economy. Our presence extends to all 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico. Learn more at nalcab.org.
About Arizona CDFI Network
The Arizona CDFI Network is a statewide network of mission-driven lenders that expands access to affordable capital, strengthens local economies, and advances community development through collaboration, capacity building, and advocacy.
About Growth Partners Arizona
Growth Partners Arizona (GPAz) is an Arizona-based Community Development Financial Institution providing affordable capital, training, and coaching to small businesses and nonprofits. GPAz is a NALCAB member. Its Executive Director, Andre T. Whittington, serves as Co-Chair of the Arizona CDFI Network.
Media Contacts:
NALCAB: Michael Farnham, Director of Communications, mfarnham@nalcab.org
GPAz: Andre Whittington, Executive Director, andre@growthpartnersaz.org
AZ CDFI Coalition: Andre Whittington, Co-Chair, Amber Cordoba, Co-Chair, info@azcdfi.org