Strive USA: Connecting small businesses to the support they need to thrive

Over five years, Strive USA aims to connect five million small businesses to resources and networks that enable them to succeed. Ultimately, the goal is even broader: help set into motion a virtuous cycle of inclusive growth across the country.

Strive USA brings together financial service providers, small business support organizations and tech platforms to empower small businesses to overcome three common roadblocks:

• Get capital. By funding community financial institutions including local banks, minority depository institutions, and credit unions, Strive USA makes it easier for businesses to get the funding they need, when and where they need it. 
• Go digital. Strive USA connects small businesses with mission-driven tech partners and essential digital tools that eliminate bottlenecks and enable lending and investment. 
• Grow networks and know-how. Through local and national partnerships, Strive USA connects small businesses with expert organizations to develop new skills and grow their capabilities.

Our initial partners include:

BeyGOOD

BeyGOOD believes in a society where everyone has an opportunity to prosper. They focus on economic equity by supporting marginalized and under-resourced programs, and are committed to serving people through educational scholarships, the advocacy of internships, and access to resources for advancing entrepreneurship and small business sustainability. BeyGOOD is also the lead sponsor and organizer of the Black Parade Route, a program that celebrates and supports Black entrepreneurs in cities across the United States through grants, technical assistance, and media visibility.

CNote

CNote is a women-led impact platform that uses technology to unlock diversified community investments to increase economic mobility and financial inclusion. CNote makes it easy for institutions and individuals to invest in the economic prosperity of financially underserved communities across America. These investments help women and people of color start businesses, construct affordable housing, create jobs, and fund other community-centered projects.

Community Reinvestment Fund, USA

Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) is a national non-profit organization with a mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through innovative financial solutions. A leading Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CRF supports mission-driven organizations, increases economic mobility, and builds strong local economies through the development of solutions in pursuit of a just economy that works for all.

Inclusiv

Founded in 1974, Inclusiv empowers its member credit unions to advance financial inclusion through advocacy, education, technology, and impact investment. Inclusiv is a certified CDFI intermediary instrumental in driving private and public investment in credit unions to build wealth for individuals, households, businesses, and communities formerly excluded from the financial mainstream.

Momentus Capital

Momentus Capital is transforming how capital and investments flow into communities to provide people access to the capital and opportunities they deserve. Through their family of mission-driven organizations including Capital Impact Partners, CDC Small Business Finance, and Ventures Lending Technologies, they are working to reinvent traditional financial systems that have failed to address systemic issues of inequality, economic empowerment, and the widening racial wealth gap.

Next Street

Next Street designs and develops solutions to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with the right resources at the right time, with a focus on small businesses facing disproportionate barriers. With a proven track record of nearly 20 years, an ongoing commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization, and an extensive network of small business advocates, operators and investors, Next Street is accelerating the impact of institutions and advisors on small businesses and providing millions of business owners with the experts, tools, and capital they need to thrive.

Our Village United

Our Village United supports the growth of Black solopreneurs and microbusinesses by delivering targeted technical assistance and shared professional services that empower business owners to grow their operations and scale their businesses. Dedicated to serving the whole business, Our Village United not only focuses on the health of the business, but also the health of the business owner by partnering with licensed wellness coaches and mental health practitioners to serve as mentors to small businesses.