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, and
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. Learn more at
www.azcdfi.org

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 Cordova, Co-Chair,
info@azcdfi.org