By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Finances FYI Presented by JPMorgan Chase
In an effort to increase access to credit to businesses in minority communities, Chase recently launched its Special Purpose Credit Program (SPCP) to expand and improve access to credit for small business owners in historically underserved areas.
The program is the first of its kind to be offered to small business owners nationally and one of many initiatives Chase has introduced to drive inclusive economic growth, increase access to credit for minority small business owners in a sustainable way and expand small business relationships,
“Access to capital has historically been disproportionally challenging for small business owners who live and work in communities of color,” said Ben Walter, CEO, Chase Business Banking. “We want to do our part to create more parity by saying yes to more business owners in these areas so they can grow and thrive, and their communities can benefit in turn.”
The program is geography-based, insuring that banks target capital to the areas in most need. The mission of the program is to offer credit to small business owners who might not otherwise be approved or receive it on less favorable terms. Customers do not need to do anything special to qualify. If the business is located in an eligible area, then the application will be evaluated under the program.
Chase began piloting the program in Dallas, Detroit, Houston, and Miami earlier this year and expanded it to 21 cities in July. It is now available for businesses in majority Black, Hispanic and Latino neighborhoods across the U.S.
When looking at liquid wealth among U.S. small business owners, the JPMorgan Chase Institute found that Black and Hispanic small business owners have a lower level of starting wealth, which may mean these founders are less able to invest in their businesses.
In addition, they found that programs targeting low-income, or majority-minority neighborhoods could be particularly helpful for Black and Hispanic business owners, who typically start firms with less cash, which may limit their opportunities for wealth creation.
“Small businesses are critical drivers of economic growth and job creation, and credit is key to helping them survive and thrive,” Walter said. “They are also important anchors for their neighborhoods, and when they are better able to invest and grow they create more vibrant and resilient communities.”
According to Mikal Quarles, head of Chase Business Banking Racial Equity Strategies, Chase’s Business Banking arm has been increasingly focused on supporting the growth of Black, Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs.
“Minority entrepreneurs are rapidly becoming the customer of the future,” said Quarles. “We want to help more minority-owned businesses create and sustain wealth long-term. We are accomplishing this by building the infrastructure, strengthening relationships, and bringing owners into the mainstream financial system. Growing and thriving small business customers are an important driver of our long-term business goals.”
The Special Purpose Credit Programs is just one way Chase is driving sustainable, inclusive economic growth with a focus on greater access to credit. Other Chase initiatives under way to support minority business owners, include”
• Improved the application process for smaller-dollar loans (generally up to $500,000) to make the process easier, faster and less intimidating.
• Launched a digital loan application so customers can apply for a business line of credit online – no need to call or visit a branch. It’s being rolled out in phases and is expected to be widely available in 2023.
• Expanded its free one-on-one coaching program to more than 40 trained senior business consultants in 21 U.S. cities to provide mentoring and advice to minority business owners on everything from boosting creditworthiness to managing cash flow to effective marketing. Since the program’s inception in 2020, Chase has mentored more than 2,600 minority business owners, helping them improve their operations, plan for growth, and network with others in the local business community.
• Launched a new resource center at Chase.com/businessconsultant that provides free educational content, resources, and advice to help early-stage and established entrepreneurs achieve their goals.
“Creating a more equitable economy is a business and social imperative,” said Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League. “I applaud Chase for helping minority business owners pursue their dreams.”
