Stories

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3.19.2024 -

“You Will Not Be Alone”: LISC + Verizon Provide Lifeline for Entrepreneurs New to U.S.

Drawing on their Argentinian heritage and family legacy as purveyors of fine sausages, Federico Etchechoury and his brother Martín brought their craft to the U.S. where they opened WeARGourment in suburban Atlanta. They soon found that starting a business in a new country is full of challenges. Thankfully, the Etchechoury brothers discovered Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, a free learning platform offering courses and one-on-one consulting in English and Spanish. Watch their story!

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2.12.2024 -

Empowering Agriculture: A Black-Owned Grain Storage Facility Marks New Era in Mississippi Delta Farming

Delta Diamond Ag stores and handles grains, a critical service for helping farmers bring their crops successfully to market. With a $500,000 loan from LISC’s Black Economic Development Fund, this rare African-American-owned facility is poised to change agriculture in the Delta. In recognition of Black History Month, we’re sharing this conversation with CEO Leigh Allen about how the company can serve area growers and the larger community, the importance of African-American representation in the agricultural supply chain, and his own deep affection for Delta farming.

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2.08.2024 -

What Three Years of Investment Can Do: Stories from LISC’s Black Economic Development Fund

In recognition of Black History Month, we’d like you to meet four organizations that, through support from LISC and the Black Economic Development Fund, are creating housing, employment and other economic opportunities in the neighborhoods that need them the most.

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LISC’s CEO 100 Days In: Priorities for the Future, and Right Now

LISC president and CEO Michael T. Pugh reflects on what he's learned in his first months helming the organization, and shares top priorities for the year, both internally and for supporting the communities we work with. Green housing, second-chance employment and AI as a tool for more efficient credit-building and lending are at the top of the list, along with strengthening and streamlining LISC's operations to achieve maximum impact in people's lives.

Local LISC Leadership Gets the Spotlight

A recent spate of articles about LISC local office leaders shine a bright light onto the commitment, expertise and hard work our executive directors bring to the complex and demanding job of investing in communities that have been marginalized. Check out these conversations with Hampton Roads, Virginia's Jay Grant, New York's Valerie White, and Jacksonville's Dr. Irvin Cohen.

12.20.2023 -

With LISC Loan, Electrical Contractor Expands Capacity and Green Offerings

Memphis Electric, with help from a $1 million LISC small business loan is seeking larger contracts, reducing reliance on factoring, and upskilling staff. The company is helping build a stronger network of diverse suppliers nationally to support a greener economy.