The collaboration between Community Investment Corporation (CIC) and Vantage West Credit Union is redefining community-focused financial services in Southern Arizona. Together, these organizations are creating a more inclusive, supportive ecosystem for small businesses and underserved communities.
In 2018, Vantage West Credit Union took a pivotal step toward deepening its community impact by becoming a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). This designation marked a major shift in the credit union’s mission, underscoring its commitment to serving economically disadvantaged communities across Southern Arizona.
Recognizing the need for strong partnerships to amplify their CDFI efforts, Vantage West sought out Community Investment Corporation, a leader in the community and their innovative micro-lending programs with a proven track record of supporting ‘unbankable’ businesses in Southern Arizona.
CIC’s focus on providing tailored financial solutions to the community but specifically for marginalized communities like minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses aligned perfectly with Vantage West’s goals. The collaboration leveraged CIC’s expertise in micro-lending and Vantage West’s broad financial capabilities, creating a powerful synergy.
As Jon Bruflat, VP of Community Impact at Vantage West, explains, “We’ve worked with CIC for years and have seen the impact of their alternative lending with small businesses that haven’t been able to qualify for traditional loans. Our investment in their work and ongoing partnership supports Arizona’s small business community and is adding economic horsepower to our local economy.”
In 2024, the partnership reached a new level of collaboration. The Office of Economic Opportunity, under Governor Hobbs, announced a grant initiative for community lenders requiring applicants to match the funds allotted with 3 times the amount of the distributed funds. For CIC Tucson, a 501c3 nonprofit, their grant of $350,000 from the State presented an exciting opportunity but also a financial challenge to raise the matching funds before the grant deadline.
Recognizing the potential impact of the grant and CIC’s critical work, Vantage West stepped in, offering a low-interest loan that allowed CIC to secure the matching funds and access the full grant amount. Jon expressed Vantage West’s commitment to CIC’s mission, stating, “We’re dedicated to supporting organizations that make a real difference in our community. CIC’s work aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re proud to be part of this initiative.”
Danny Knee, Executive Director of CIC Tucson, shared his perspective: “The ecosystem we’ve built – goes beyond just providing loans. It’s about offering education, resources, and access to capital for businesses that otherwise wouldn’t qualify for financing. We can’t thank John and the team at Vantage West enough for their generosity, partnership and commitment to serving our community. For Vantage West to recognize the value we bring to the financial services ecosystem and to work to create a pathway to traditional financing for our borrowers is incredibly meaningful.”
The partnership between CIC Tucson and Vantage West Credit Union marks a new era of community-focused lending in Southern Arizona. By combining their strengths and resources, they are not only providing immediate financial support but also building a roadmap for small businesses to grow and succeed. As Arizona’s small business landscape evolves, the collaboration between CIC and Vantage West serves as a model for how innovative partnerships between the banking system and the nonprofit community can drive economic growth and community empowerment.
