We are going to invest in the The Loan Broker Training Academy and a Commercial Lending Business

The Problem & The Solution

The Problem

• Unfair lending practices.

• Small-business lending faces a serious diversity issue.

• Everyone is aware of the bank’s strict underwriting guidelines.

• 80% of loan applications are denied.

• Predatory lending.

The Solution

• We can tackle these issues with the right tools, education, and training.

• Young professionals from our community can help bridge the distrust toward banks.

• By getting trained, we can teach financial literacy and offer lending solutions.

• Empowered with knowledge, we can create jobs and businesses in our community.

What is The Cooperative Lender

The Cooperative Lender is “a group of people united to meet their common

• Socially

• Economically

• Disadvantaged

• Cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically controlled enterprise.”

When a co-operative does well financially or economically, the community it serves benefits, not just a small group of shareholders

Benefits of a Co-op Model

• One Member- One Share – One Vote

• Member and/or Employee Owned

• Practices group economics & Self funded

• Dividend payout to members

• Shared risk …Shared Rewards

• 90 % success rate

• Create & Retain Jobs in the Community

How Can I be a Member

• 1 Share = 1 vote = $1,000

• Unlimited # of Shares

• Dividend Payout(s)

• 1000 members @ $1k per share = $1 million

For a Stronger Tomorrow

Transforming Communities Through Empowered Lending

At The Cooperative Lender, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, we are proud to be the first and only commercial lender that is owned by the communities we serve. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower individuals and small businesses by offering fair, inclusive, and cooperative financial solutions. Our services ...

Explore Our Tailored Solutions: Supporting Your Financial Goals

We offer more than just loans—we offer financial empowerment. Our cooperative is built to serve the economic, social, and cultural needs of our members through our commercial lending and Loan Broker Training Academy. As a cooperative, we prioritize transparency and trust, making sure every member and borrower ...

About Us

We envision a world where Black businesses flourish, serving as the cornerstone of vibrant, resilient communities. These businesses drive innovation, create wealth, and foster opportunities that uplift individuals and families, building a legacy of prosperity and equity for future generations.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower Black-owned businesses and build a resilient community committed to solving our own challenges. Together, we create pathways for financial growth, collective strength, and shared prosperity—recognizing that no one is coming to save us but us. All are welcome in allyship as we forge a future rooted in self-determination and unity.

Our Vision

Our vision is to close the racial wealth gap by leveraging the power of the cooperative model to address systemic barriers, reduce poverty, and foster innovation, job creation, and sustainable wealth-building within the Black community. By working together, we maximize shared resources, amplify collective strength, and ensure equitable opportunities for lasting economic empowerment."

Our 6 Foundational Pillars

  • Economic Empowerment Through Ownership
    Closing the racial wealth gap by ensuring profits are shared with the community, which collectively owns and benefits from the cooperative.
  • Community-Driven Solutions
    Harnessing the power of the cooperative model to solve challenges from within, fostering resilience and self-reliance through shared decision-making.
  • Wealth-Building and Shared Prosperity
    Creating opportunities for sustainable financial growth where members of the cooperative directly share in the profits and success of the enterprise.
  • Education and Expertise
    Teaching, educating, and training members to build legacy wealth, guided by the insights of current and former bankers who bring invaluable expertise to empower the community.
  • Innovation and Job Creation
    Driving entrepreneurship, supporting Black-owned businesses, and creating jobs that uplift and strengthen the economic fabric of our community.
  • Inclusive Allyship in Action
    Welcoming and encouraging allies to join in partnership, strengthening the collective impact while staying rooted in the principles of community ownership and equity.

We warmly invite you to join us in our mission to empower and strengthen Black businesses. Whether you are an entrepreneur striving to grow, a consumer committed to supporting Black-owned ventures, or an ally dedicated to fostering equity, your involvement is vital to our collective success.

By coming together, we can build a thriving ecosystem where Black businesses are not only supported but positioned to innovate, create jobs, and drive long-term wealth within our communities. Your participation helps us amplify the power of cooperative economics, create shared prosperity, and break down barriers to financial equity.

Let’s join forces to ensure that Black businesses not only survive but flourish—paving the way for a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come.

Discover Insights That Empower: Read Our Blog

Stay informed and inspired with expert advice, success stories, and financial tips that can help you thrive. Our blog is your go-to resource for building a stronger financial future. Dive in today!

Join the Movement: The Cooperative Lender

Discover how our community-owned cooperative is transforming lives by empowering individuals to achieve their financial goals. Explore our services today and see how we’re building a stronger future together.

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