Small loans make a big impact in New Mexico

Nusenda Credit Union works with community partners to identify and support borrowers shut out of traditional lending.

For more than a decade, Nusenda Credit Union ($3.4B, Albuquerque, NM) has provided financing to small entrepreneurs and created a community impact that extends well beyond the cooperative’s bottom line.

“We’ve funded restaurants and food services, childcare, jewelry and other artisan production, a barbershop, and much more,” says Amy Nigrelli, Nusenda’s chief marketing officer.

It All Started With A SEG

Nusenda kicked off its microlending effort in 2010 with a five-year loan pilot program created to support La Montañita Co-op, New Mexico’s largest community-owned natural foods market and one of Nusenda’s select employee groups.

 

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