Explore how CDFIs can better serve people with disabilities. A new report from NDFC highlights unmet needs, sector opportunities, and practical steps to drive inclusion.
Author Archives: disabilityfinance
A Disabled Veteran Entrepreneur’s Journey to Business Ownership
When Izzy Abbas started his business, he didn’t think organizations like CDFIs were meant for someone like him. Like many entrepreneurs—especially veterans and people with disabilities—he assumed he would have to piece things together on his own. That meant self-financing, relying on family support, and navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship without the benefit of coaching,Continue reading “A Disabled Veteran Entrepreneur’s Journey to Business Ownership”
Rural Disability Finance: A Design Opportunity for CDFIs
Explore how CDFIs can better serve people with disabilities. A new report from NDFC highlights unmet needs, sector opportunities, and practical steps to drive inclusion.
7 Practical Ways CDFIs Can Design Lending with People with Disabilities in Mind
While writing our rural DF blog article, we realized that the tips we developed to help CDFIs expand their capacity to lend to PWD are valuable regardless of geography. Expanding access to borrowers with disabilities doesn’t require a new department or a new product line, it requires inclusive design, partnership, and outreach. Below are sevenContinue reading “7 Practical Ways CDFIs Can Design Lending with People with Disabilities in Mind”
NDFC Names Holly Denniston-Chase as New Executive Director
The National Disability Finance Coalition (NDFC) today announced the appointment of Holly Denniston-Chase of Blue Beacon Advisors as its next Executive Director, effective September 1, 2025.
New Report Spotlights the Disability Finance Opportunity for CDFIs
Explore how CDFIs can better serve people with disabilities. A new report from NDFC highlights unmet needs, sector opportunities, and practical steps to drive inclusion.
New Report Reveals Untapped Opportunity in Lending to People with Disabilities
Assistive Technology Lending: A High-Impact Opportunity for CDFIs
For CDFIs looking to make meaningful inroads in Disability Finance, assistive technology (AT) lending offers a powerful place to start. In our latest blog, we speak with Will Hall of PATF about how AT lending opens new markets for mission-driven lenders while improving the lives of people with disabilities.
Financing Freedom: The Role of Disability Finance in Supporting Self-Employment and Small Businesses for PWD
In recognition of National Small Business Week, May 4-10, 2025 For people with disabilities (PWD), entrepreneurship can be a powerful path to independence — but it’s not without barriers. Traditional financial systems often overlook disabled founders, limiting access to capital and business support. Fortunately, a growing number of organizations are working to change that. GroupsContinue reading “Financing Freedom: The Role of Disability Finance in Supporting Self-Employment and Small Businesses for PWD”
Disability Finance: Why Every CDFI Should Care
Across the country, more than 60 million adults — nearly 1 in 4 — live with a disability. This number is only expected to grow as the population ages and as long-term effects of COVID-19 increase rates of chronic illness. And yet, this large and diverse population remains dramatically underserved by the financial system. CDFIsContinue reading “Disability Finance: Why Every CDFI Should Care”