Number 247 November 3, 2023 St. Louis
JP, City of Urbana Launch Urbana Small Business Microloan Fund
Last month, Justine PETERSEN, along with the City of Urbana, Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), and Woodforest National Bank® officially kicked off the COVID-19 Recovery: Urbana Small Business Microloan Fund. The fund was initiated after the City of Urbana committed $250,000 of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. JP worked with Woodforest National Bank® to then leverage those dollars, making a total of $2M available, which will continue to revolve. The goal of this fund is to support new and existing small businesses in Urbana, IL by making accessible loans up to $50,000 for those who may otherwise not qualify for traditional lending. After establishing a presence in Champaign, IL last year and assisting 113 businesses in the area, JP is particularly excited to grow its footprint into Urbana. As JP COO, Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez said, “Through this collaboration with Woodforest National Bank®, City of Urbana, and Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, Justine PETERSEN strengthens its enduring commitment to increase financial inclusivity, empowering disadvantaged entrepreneurs and small businesses in Urbana. This initiative not only amplifies our shared vision but also emboldens our efforts to bridge economic disparities, ensuring every business, regardless of its size, has access to the essential capital it needs to thrive.” Those interested in learning more about the fund can look to connect more with JP Central Illinois Operations Manager, Tristan Brown.
JP Has Spirit, Yes We Do!
Last week, Justine PETERSEN got to celebrate our creative and fun sides for Spirit Week! Each day was a different theme with Monday being sports, tacky Tuesday, comfy Wednesday, #ThrowbackThursday, and closing out the week in monochrome on Friday. Being able to see a little more of everyone’s personality come out, always fosters more connections, and of course laughs.
Credit Cue: Medical Debt Under $500
Contributed by Andrew Barnes and Tatiana Gillum
As of this year, the three major credit bureaus announced that medical debt of $500 or less will no longer appear on your credit report. Here are a few tips to ensure your credit report and score remain strong:
- Monitor your credit report: Regularly check your credit report for errors or discrepancies. You request a free credit report from each of the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Pay bills on time: Consistently pay all of your bills, including credit card payments, loans, and utilities by their due dates. Late payments can negatively impact your credit score.
- Resolve outstanding debts: Promptly address any past due accounts or collections. Negotiate with creditors to settle or create a repayment plan.
- Seek professional help if needed: If you’re struggling with debt, consider credit counseling or debt consolidation services with a trusted partner to help manage your individual situation.
Remember that building and maintaining good credit takes time and discipline. Regularly reviewing your financial habits and credit report will help you make informed decisions to protect your credit standing.
To discuss your credit with Justine PETERSEN’s Asset Building Manager, Tatiana Gillum, look to schedule time here.
Other Stories We’re Paying Attention To
As some medical debt disappears from Americans’ credit reports, scores are rising.
JP Legal Clinic on November 16
Somehow we only have two months of 2023 to go! This means our November 16th Legal Clinic will be the last one of the year. Be sure to save your spot by contacting JP Chief Partnerships Officer Shawna Collier to get free one-on-one legal advice from our partners at Copeland and Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.
Happy Birthday, Mark!
Tuesday was not only a day to celebrate tricks and treats, but also the birthday of Justine PETERSEN Accounting Manager, Mark Kraus! We are hoping his day was filled with lots of family and fun, and that he had a side of cake to go along with all the leftover candy.
Resources Available for Missouri Tenants
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA