Carolina Community Impact

Breaking News: Carolina Community Impact (CCI) Expands Services with Consumer Education Services, Inc. (CESI) Henry C. McKoy, Jr., Ph.D

Roxanne brings her lived experience as a military spouse and her passion for entrepreneurship to the conversation — making sure the voices of military families and business owners in North Carolina are heard alongside national leaders. We’re so proud to have her sharing both her journey and the work we’re doing at CCI to support entrepreneurs. 💙 #MilitarySpouse #Entrepreneurship #CDFI #SmallBusinessSupport #NCEntrepreneurs #CCIImpact

🌱 The 8th Annual North Carolina Sustainable Business Council Awards Luncheon brought together a dynamic community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers in Wilmington, NC—all committed to building a more sustainable future for our state. This year’s event celebrated businesses and leaders who are redefining success through sustainable practices—reducing carbon footprints, revitalizing communities, and creating growth models that benefit both people and the planet. Carolina Community Impact team members Diane Lantz and Robin Bennett had the honor of presenting the Visionary Leadership Awards, a category that recognizes forward-thinking leadership in sustainable business practices. The room was filled with inspiring nominees, each setting a powerful example of what’s possible when innovation meets purpose. One of the most impactful moments came from keynote speaker Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall, who emphasized the essential role of small businesses—especially in rural North Carolina—in driving statewide progress. Her call to ensure sustainable growth reaches every corner of our state resonated deeply. At Carolina Community Impact, we are proud to support the work of the North Carolina Sustainable Business Council and to stand alongside those shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous North Carolina. #Sustainability #NCBusiness #CommunityImpact #Leadership #Innovation

We’re excited to welcome Carolina Community Impact as a proud sponsor of the 4th Annual BLK BIZ SUMMIT! Their investment in access to capital and economic opportunity helps make this experience possible for our growing ecosystem. 🎟️ Don’t wait—grab your ticket today: www.blkbizsummit.com #BLKBIZSUMMIT #CarolinaCommunityImpact

We have a lot of incredible things happening with our company. First, our new President & CEO Henry C. McKoy, Jr., Ph.D is settling in to his new digs very well. Secondly, we've launched a blog post series that educates small business owners on the loan application process by helping them prepare for their loan. Check it out here and share it with your network: https://ccifund.org/blog/ Next, we're excited about our latest client's launch in their new retail space. Congratulations to Escazú Chocolates for growing and adding to North Carolina's small business economy. Our very own Director of Strategic Initiatives, Energy & Resilience Lending, Shannon O'Shea, shared this sweet photo of her kids enjoying the treats at Escazú's grand opening of the new location. And last but not least, with all of the challenging weather disasters that have swept our state in the past year, we're putting together a disaster preparation guide for small business owners. If your business provides disaster relief, safety gear & resources or anything that can help small business owners prepare and recover after a devastating weather event, please connect with us. We'd like to include you in this free guide.

Last week, we introduced our new President & CEO to you. Take a quick glance to learn why Henry McKoy is a champion for small business owners and why he makes an incredible leader for our team. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/epYFxHYQ

Let's give a warm welcome to our new President & CEO! Our organization is committed to serving and growing the North Carolina entrepreneurial ecosystem. With Henry McKoy at the helm of our CDFI, we will continue to strengthen small business owners and impact the entrepreneurial landscape. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/efVQprAF

Small business borrowers: The best way to prepare for a small business loan is to learn from the lenders. Here's an opportunity to sit at the table with various lenders to learn more about the lending process and put your best financial foot forward. RSVP for your cost-free ticket by mailing our team member, Robin Bennett at rbennett@ccifund.org

Carolina Community Impact (CCI), a North Carolina-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering small business owners and supporting affordable housing initiatives, has received a transformative $6 million grant from Consumer Education Services Inc. (CESI). This funding, spanning three years from 2025 through 2027, will strengthen CCI’s three-pillar approach—expanding small business lending services, offering technical assistance to entrepreneurs, and providing accessible housing counseling: https://lnkd.in/eXAJEMJd