Formerly known as Business Loan Fund of The Palm Beaches, Inc. | For Assistance Please Call: 561.478.2337
OUR MISSION
The Center for Enterprise Opportunity's (CEO) mission is to serve as a sustainable business development and finance institution for low and moderate income entrepreneurs, small and emerging businesses and community development projects by working to fill the overall need for capital through financing, advisory and advocacy services.
The Center for Enterprise Opportunity (CEO) is a private, non-profit corporation organized under Florida Statutes 112. The chartered purpose and mission is to improve the economies in distressed communities by lending to small businesses and sponsors of community development initiatives which benefit low and moderate income persons. As a Certified Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the Center for Enterprise Opportunity is eligible for significant federal equity grants and other awards from the U.S. Department of Treasury to support its lending and programs.
As a non-traditional lender, the Center for Enterprise Opportunity raises capital from public and private investors, e.g. government, banks, individuals, corporations and philanthropic organizations and then deploys these funds primarily for lending to small businesses and community development entities. The CEO also provides technical assistance and training to prospective and existing clients. Direct services and referrals to a network of service providers are offered to existing clients of the Center for Enterprise Opportunity before and after loan closing in an effort to ensure compliance with terms and conditions of the loan; and ultimately to ensure repayment to the Loan Fund and profitability for the businesses.
CEO has become adept at identifying borrowers’ financial and management weaknesses that limit or prohibit access to traditional business financing. By providing the extensive technical assistance that conventional lenders can’t afford to offer, we help our borrowers to resolve these issues and achieve their business goals.
As a non-traditional lender, the Center for Enterprise Opportunity raises capital from public and private investors, e.g. government, banks, individuals, corporations and philanthropic organizations and then deploys these funds primarily for lending to small businesses and community development entities. The CEO also provides technical assistance and training to prospective and existing clients. Direct services and referrals to a network of service providers are offered to existing clients of the Center for Enterprise Opportunity before and after loan closing in an effort to ensure compliance with terms and conditions of the loan; and ultimately to ensure repayment to the Loan Fund and profitability for the businesses.
CEO has become adept at identifying borrowers’ financial and management weaknesses that limit or prohibit access to traditional business financing. By providing the extensive technical assistance that conventional lenders can’t afford to offer, we help our borrowers to resolve these issues and achieve their business goals.
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC IMPACT SINCE 1996
- Made over 500 loans to Small Businesses totaling $11.6 Million.
- Helped create or maintain more than 3,000 jobs.
- Assisted more than 15,000 entrepreneurs.
- Administered over $40 Million in grant awards for training & T/A.
- Provided over 60,000 hours of training to entrepreneurs.
- Conducted more than 100 classroom-styled trainings.
BACKGROUND
U.S. Treasury Certified Community Development Finance Institution.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Agency.
Funded in part through a grant award with the U.S.
Small Business Administration.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
For accommodations please contact: Lia T. Gaines at 561-478-2337.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Agency.
Funded in part through a grant award with the U.S.
Small Business Administration.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
For accommodations please contact: Lia T. Gaines at 561-478-2337.