By: Jeremy Hofer
Loan & Resourced Development Officer, Fresno CDFI

Fresno Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) has a new look and an expanding focus. Along with a new logo and website ( www.fresnocdfi.com), we have raised lending limits and are aggressively expanding the types of businesses we serve.

“We realize that in these tough times, many sectors of the economy are in dire need of financing. We want to reach out and help them strengthen their businesses through financing and technical assistance,” says Fresno CDFI CEO Salam Nalia.

Sureewan Ly is the type of borrower Nalia is talking about. A seamstress who owns her own clothing design and alterations business, Ly applied for funds to expand her inventory and hire a part-time employee. Despite the recession, business remains strong for Ly. People are maintaining and repairing old clothes rather than buying new ones. She needed a helping hand to take her business to the next level.

Our staff sat down with Ly and developed a business plan that gives her a clear picture of where she wants to take her business in the next few years. She was funded for the purchase of equipment & inventory.

“Fresno CDFI has given me the opportunity to expand my business. I’m now able to offer my customers more cloth and design choices, remodel my store, and attract more business,” says Ly.

Despite the new look, we haven’t forgotten our roots: small farmers still make up a majority of the portfolio. Over the years, the micro-loan program has moved minority farmers towards better farming and accounting practices and will continue to do so into the future.

Fresno CDFI is located in the Executive Plaza, 1900 Mariposa Mall Building in Suite 210. For more information visit the new www.fresnocdfi.com website or call 559 263-1351.

Fresno CDFI is a subsidiary of Fresno County EOC.