Many diverse and underserved entrepreneurs rely heavily on personal savings, small grants, or high-interest loans that are often short-term and difficult to secure. Early-stage capital needed to enter the market is especially limited for these business owners. RCI works to close this knowledge and access gap by creating pathways for stakeholders to directly invest in underserved communities.
RCI operates the Kiva Pittsburgh Hub in partnership with Kiva, an international nonprofit organization. Kiva Pittsburgh offers Kiva’s distinctive crowdfunded micro-loans ($1,000–$15,000) to small business owners who may struggle to access traditional financing due to limited time in business, short or challenged credit history, or innovative business models. Because financial inequity can exist anywhere—including in historically overlooked neighborhoods—Kiva’s 0% interest, no-fee loans ensure capital remains accessible and affordable.
RCI also established the Community Business Lending Initiative (CBLI) with a local lending partner. This program offers an exclusive pool of funds for top BizFIT Tier 1 and Tier 2 graduates, providing access to a line of credit up to $50,000. The purpose is to help these entrepreneurs strengthen their banking relationships and eventually transition from this specialized program into securing a traditional line of credit under standard banking terms.
Learn more about Kiva loans by emailing us at [email protected] or
REEF is a partnership with Intentional Asset Management and is our call to action on the creation of a robust BIPOC lifestyle and tech adjacent Built Environment Cohort Accelerator Program to assist in the growth of BIPOC businesses in the Pittsburgh region. REEF is designed to support the growth and scaling stages of BIPOC business that has a certain degree of market traction by providing business connections, rigorous business training and flexible capital with milestone achievement.
ReedSmith hosted a Sustainable Cities Symposium that welcomed a diverse audience, including attendees representing a combination of family offices, wealth advisors, impact investors, impact funds, urban design professionals, leading academic and policy experts, and institutional investors interested in innovative approaches for US cities.
Juan Garrett, Executive Director, Riverside Center for Innovation and Heather McGee, Partner & COO, Intentional Asset Management participated in a transparent fireside chat to discuss building equitable ecosystems for small businesses in Pittsburgh, PA.
