Fueling Dreams: How Omaha 100 Helps Small Businesses Grow
by Malinda Williams, CEO
At Omaha 100, we believe that owning a business is a way to build wealth, create jobs, and strengthen our community. That’s why we’ve grown beyond home loans to support small businesses too. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we focus on helping entrepreneurs who’ve been left out of traditional lending.
What’s a CDFI?
CDFIs are special lenders certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. We don’t prioritize profits—we only focus on people. Our goal is to serve our neighbors who have been shut out of the financial system, offering fair and affordable loans along with support to help them succeed.
At Omaha 100, we do things differently. We look at your character—not just your credit score. We offer guidance, financial education, and business planning support to help you grow and thrive.
Why Small Business Lending Matters—Locally and Nationally
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy—both here in Nebraska and across the country. They create jobs, drive innovation, and keep dollars circulating in local communities. But too often, entrepreneurs—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—lack access to capital and support.
That’s where CDFIs step in.
Nationally, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reported that in fiscal year 2024, it backed $56 billion in financing for small businesses and disaster-affected areas—a 7% increase from the year prior. Among these efforts:
Over 38,000 loans under $150,000 were made through the SBA’s 7(a) program—a government-backed loan designed to help small businesses that might not qualify for traditional bank loans. That’s double the number from 2020.
Black-owned businesses received 5,200 loans totaling $1.5 billion.
Latino-owned businesses received 9,600 loans totaling $3.3 billion.
Women-owned businesses received 15,500 loans totaling $5.6 billion. (https://www.sba.gov/article/2024/10/24/new-report-reveals-historic-surge-small-business-financing-under-biden-harris-administration)
CDFI’s around the nation financed over 109,000 businesses and originated more than $24 billion in loans and investments, underscoring how vital CDFIs are to the small business ecosystem. (https://www.cdfifund.gov/programs-training/programs/cdfi-program)
Omaha 100’s Small Business Program
We’ve launched our own small business lending program to help local entrepreneurs—especially those who’ve been turned down elsewhere. Here’s what we offer:
Flexible Loans: Based on cash flow and future production, borrow up to $250,000+ with fixed rates and terms tailored to your business.
Business Guidance: We help connect you with resource partners for business plans, finances, marketing, and growth strategies.
Personalized Support: Whether you're just starting or ready to expand, we work with you to meet your specific needs.
Real People. Real Impact.
Depree Seavers started Black Power Redevelopers after shifting away from a career in emergency services. With help from Omaha 100, he grew his business as a Master Electrician and is now giving back by hiring others looking for a second chance.
Then there’s (insert PEI)
These are just a couple of stories—but they show what’s possible when we invest in local talent.
Omaha 100’s small business program is about more than dollars—it’s about dignity, dreams, and equity. We’re here to open doors and walk with you on the path to success.
If you’re ready to start or grow your business, we’re ready to help.
Contact Us
Email: info@omaha100.org
Call: (402) 342-3773
Visit: www.omaha100.org