There are 20 Certified Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) Headquartered in Arizona, Including 13 Loan Funds and 7 Credit Unions.
Arizona’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are fueling economic growth, empowering small businesses, and strengthening communities. Since 2005, Arizona-based CDFIs have provided over $1.7 billion in loans, helping to create jobs, finance affordable housing, and support local entrepreneurs across the state.
CDFIs are financial institutions focused on expanding economic opportunity by providing fair and flexible financing, technical assistance, and strategic support. They help individuals, businesses, and nonprofits access the capital needed to grow and succeed, filling gaps left by traditional lenders.
However, recent federal policy shifts—such as efforts to reduce the federal bureaucracy—pose a threat to vital funding and resources that CDFIs rely on to serve small businesses, affordable housing projects, and community initiatives. As a result we have created this landing page to highlight how CDFIs have impacted communities throughout the state.
CDFIs contribute to economic growth throughout the state
CDFIs are more than just lenders—they drive meaningful change. Meet Arizona entrepreneurs and explore projects that are making a lasting impact across the state.
Nestled in Arizona’s Round Valley, the twin communities of Eagar and Springerville are working to revitalize their local economy by shifting from traditional resource-based industries to innovative, sustainable development. Through the efforts of the Foundation for Little Colorado Revitalization and partnerships with RCAC, initiatives like Little Colorado Meats are empowering ranchers with new market opportunities, strengthening food security, and fostering economic resilience in southern Apache County.
María José Cortés turned her passion for candle-making into a thriving business, Di Luna Candles, and with the support of a local CDFI she successfully opened her first brick-and-mortar store in Tucson. By working with a local CDFI lending team and business coach, she not only secured financing but also expanded her operations, reduced overhead, and created new job opportunities in her community.
Karigan Estates is a project of the Navajo Nation, a master-planned, 113-acre site consisting of single-family homes, apartment complexes, townhomes, retail/commercial, and governmental offices. The Nation’s Division of Economic Development transferred 25 lots to (NPH), the designated developer when this phase began several years ago. NPH has provided marketing, design, construction management, homebuyer education, and counseling services to prospective buyers since that time. From 2010-2017, Community Housing Capital (CHC) provided NPH with $3 million of financing to help develop the Karigan Estates.
Bowman Senior Residences in downtown Nogales transformed two century-old buildings into 48 units of affordable senior housing, preserving historic facades while introducing modern amenities like a library, fitness center, and community kitchen. Developed by Nogales Community Development and Gorman & Co., the $12.1 million project was financed through low-income housing tax credits and multiple funding partners, addressing the critical need for quality housing in the border town.
When a local nonprofit needed support expanding its services, two local AZ CDFI Network Members collaborated to help them achieve their goal. Check out the groundbreaking ceremony that took place last year.
Ready to Join us in this Movement?
Arizona’s CDFIs are fueling small business success, creating jobs, and revitalizing communities—but we can’t do it alone. Now, more than ever, we need advocates, entrepreneurs, and community leaders like you to take action.
Contact Us Today to Learn More & Get Involved!
info@azcdfi.org
