About | LiftFund

About

Giving good ideas a chance

Every small business can use a Lift

At LiftFund, we believe everyone deserves a chance to pursue the American Dream. As a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we support small business owners who don't qualify for traditional funding with affordable loans and support services.

We work alongside larger banks, government agencies, community leaders and partners to provide millions of dollars in micro and small business loans to hard-working entrepreneurs. When traditional funding paths hit a dead end, we say "let's find a way."

Who We Are

Built with purpose. Driven by impact.

Our History

In 1994, Janie Barrera founded LiftFund, opening up our first office in San Antonio with only three employees. Today, we’ve expanded nationwide to provide thousands of people access to financial success.

Our Vision

We aim to be a driving force, transforming communities into vibrant hubs of opportunity, resilience and economic independence.

Our Mission

We're changing lives through financial resources and support services designed to promote economic growth. Empowering one business owner has the power to Lift an entire community.

Driving economic growth

Our impact goes beyond lending. We're building stronger communities by investing in the entrepreneurs who create jobs, serve their neighbors, and drive local economic growth.

Together with partners and donors who share our vision, we're leveling the financial playing field and opening doors to opportunity for businesses that make our communities stronger.

Our History

30 Years of Milestones

For over 30 years, LiftFund has empowered small business owners with affordable loans and practical guidance to help them reach their full potential.

2024

LiftFund Celebrates 30 Years

LiftFund marked three decades with nearly $1 billion in funding for more than 28,000 business owners. It has created and retained 104,000 jobs, empowering communities nationwide.

2020

Pandemic Response

As soon as COVID-19 hit our communities, LiftFund partnered with government agencies and donors to raise the capital people needed to recover, providing $133.7M in grants and $43M in capital between 2020-2023.

2019

Celebrating 25 Years

$327 Million in capital shared by the end of 2019.

2017

Rebuilding the Texas Gulf Coast

LiftFund raises $7M from donors to offer interest-free disaster recovery loans in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

2015

New Name. Same Mission.

Acción Texas changes its name to LiftFund, reflecting its growing footprint of funding small businesses everywhere.

2007

Innovation in Action

LiftFund revolutionizes lending with a customized risk assessment model – the Microloan Management System.

2005

First Disaster Relief Loan

When Hurricane Katrina threatened small businesses on the Gulf Coast, LiftFund launched into action.

1994

LiftFund is Founded as Accion

Janie Barrera set out to create opportunities for entrepreneurs in San Antonio. With seed money, Accion began with 80+ business owners and an average loan size of $1,400.

Become a Partner

Invest in Communities

Join our mission to fund entrepreneurs. Visit our Partner page for more information.

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