Community
Development
Financial
Institution

CDFIs are essential to building strong, thriving communities. At Pathway Lending, that community-first approach to finance drives everything we do, delivering lending solutions that help small businesses grow, expand access to affordable housing, and support long-term, sustainable community development.

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What's A CDFI

A Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is a specialized financial entity focused on providing affordable financial services and support to communities. They are mission-driven financial institutions that have been certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund. CDFIs include credit unions, banks, loan funds, and venture capital funds that operate with a primary mission of serving low-income communities.

As a certified CDFI serving Tennessee and Alabama, Pathway Lending plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth across the state in small business, affordable housing, and sustainability. Pathway’s services are unique and aim to address the specific needs of Tennessee's economic climate, offering accessible financing solutions, educational resources, and contributions to the overall development of local communities.

Empowering Small Business

How We Help Small Growing Businesses:

Funding that fits: We offer a range of financial products designed to meet businesses where they are. Pathway provides capital to small businesses for needs ranging from equipment purchases to even commercial real estate. Across many purposes, our financing solutions are tailored to support each business’s unique goals and stage of growth with flexible terms, rates, and underwriting criteria.
Personalized Support: We take the time to understand unique business needs, offering personalized guidance and support throughout an entrepreneur’s financial journey.
Business Education: We recognize that access to capital is just one part of building a sustainable business. That’s why we also provide educational resources and workshops designed to strengthen financial literacy and business management skills that empower entrepreneurs to make informed decisions and achieve long-term growth.
Community Impact: As a CDFI, we are deeply rooted in our commitment to community development. Our financing supports job creation and economic impact.

Advancing Sustainable Communities

Pathway offers sustainability loans to industrial, commercial, and private non-profit facilities. Pathway also offers a financing alternative, Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy & Resiliency (C-PACER), for energy and water efficient upgrades, retrofits, redevelopments, and new construction of commercial properties.

This financing supports projects that cut costs for businesses.

Housing Solutions

As our communities grow, creating and preserving affordable housing becomes increasingly challenging. Through Pathway’s Affordable Multifamily Housing Loan Program and the Pathway Housing Fund, we are committed to being part of the solution.

Multifamily Housing: Pathway’s Affordable Multifamily Housing Loan Program offers a creative source of capital to create safe, quality and attainable housing in communities throughout Tennessee.
Pathway Housing Fund: Established in 2024, the $30 million fund acquires, renovates, and develops multifamily housing to ensure more residents and families have access to safe housing for the long term. By leveraging low-cost capital, Pathway will maintain affordable housing that already exists, protect residents, and create a model other communities can follow.

Why Choose Pathway

Proven Track Record: With over 27 years of experience supporting small businesses, we have a proven track record of equipping business owners to achieve their goals with the financial and educational tools they need to grow.
Flexible and Fair Financing: We understand the challenges faced by small businesses and communities, and our financing options are structured to be flexible and attainable.
Dedicated Support: We're not just a lender; we're a partner in growth, offering guidance and support to grow and scale businesses.