I underwrite small-business loans at Impact Loan Fund, a Community Development Financial Institution in Philadelphia. Like other CDFIs, we help businesses access capital when traditional banks and lenders wouldn’t, like if founders have lower credit or limited collateral, or when a company is early in its life cycle.

Our role is different than that of an investor. For our fund to offer capital, a business has to show enough operating history, revenue and — most importantly — profitability. READ MORE