Justine PETERSEN Partners with State of Illinois Advantage Illinois and F.A.M.E. Loan Programs
Justine PETERSEN has become a certified lender with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity offering the Advantage Illinois loan product as well as the FAME program – Fund for the Advancement of Minority Enterprises. JP’s CDFI (community development financial institution) Great Rivers Community Capital is currently reviewing loans that may include a 50 percent participation by the State of Illinois, allowing for the interest rate on the loan to be blended, and as a result, lower than typical available financing. Advantage Illinois seeks to assist under-resourced entrepreneurs such as women, veterans and those with a disability. FAME targets minority entrepreneurs and also includes a series of business assistance workshops offered throughout the state through the ADME program – Advancing the Development of Minority Entrepreneurship.
JP Presents with Friends of the SBA Microloan Program at Congressional Briefing in D.C.
As a member of the Friends of the SBA Microloan Program policy advocacy group, Justine PETERSEN was invited to present at a congressional briefing recently in Washington DC. Along with peer SBA microlenders, JP shared success stories – both rural and urban – in both Missouri and Illinois. Congress is currently reviewing possible changes in legislation that governs the administration of the SBA Microloan Program. Additionally, JP staffers met with the heads of the Small Business Committees in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Metro East Collaborative Plans Fall Event to Connect Non-Profit with Mentors/Resources
Justine PETERSEN is actively participating in planning a capacity-building event for Metro East non-profit organizations this fall. As part of the Metro East Collaborative, a network of both non-profit organizations and lending institutions, including banks and CDFIs (community development financial institutions) facilitated by the Community Builders Network (CBN), JP is assisting in planning an event that will foster a mentorship program for developing non-profits, help build collaboration among members, share best practices and promote ongoing events and opportunities. The Metro East Collaborative recently met at the Katherine Dunham Museum in East St. Louis and enjoyed a tour of it collections post-meeting.
An All-Star Staff at Busch Stadium!
Recently, JP staffers enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon at the ballpark compliments of PNC Bank. PNC made available their corporate sky box for JP staffers to enjoy the game, food and drink. And the Cards beat the NY Mets to make the day a win from every perspective!