Justine PETERSEN helps organizations meet Community Reinvestment goals by driving change in underserved, redlined neighborhoods. Investments in our CDFI Emerging Markets Fund, Micro-Enterprise Lending, Credit Building, and Financial Education programs empower low- to moderate-income (LMI) and BIPOC communities. Over 70% of our clients are LMI, and 78% identify as BIPOC. Every dollar invested counts toward CRA-compliant lending and services.
We support entrepreneurship and small business growth in North St. Louis, strengthening CDFIs, public banking models, and financial services through empowerment sites. Your investment helps expand critical programs, such as SBA Micro-Enterprise Loans, IgniteMO, and WeatherUP Loans, addressing inequities and fostering growth in underserved areas. Partnering with Justine PETERSEN supports both CRA goals and sustainable development.
Simmons Bank invested $2 million into Justine PETERSEN’s IgniteMO loan participation program, leveraging State of Missouri SSBCI (State Small Business Credit Initiative) funds. IgniteMO aims to deliver over $105 million in lending capital to more than 2,000 small businesses statewide over the next decade, with a focus on underserved entrepreneurs. This partnership helps expand access to affordable financing and boosts economic development across Missouri. Pictured: Allan Ivie, Chris Calcaterra, and Rob Shylanski.
Justine PETERSEN’s CDFI
In April 1999, Justine PETERSEN founded Great Rivers Community Capital (Great Rivers), a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), as a wholly-owned subsidiary. CDFIs are specialized institutions that work in market niches that are not adequately served by traditional financial institutions. Great Rivers originates consumer, housing, and micro-enterprise loans to low-income families who lack access to safe and affordable capital.
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