Delaware officials said the Community Investment Venture Fund is gaining traction as a state-backed tool to widen entrepreneurship and lending access in low-to-moderate income communities.
Created by lawmakers in 2023, the revolving loan fund lets banks, credit unions and Community Development Financial Institutions operating in Delaware tap capital administered by the state bank commissioner and banking council.
Wilmington's West End Neighborhood House showcased its Launcher program as an example of how the fund supports entrepreneurs, with director Emily Duran emphasizing reliability and a willingness to learn in participants.
Sussex County landscaper Donald Maull said financial support from Launcher and Stepping Stones Federal Credit Union helped him start and run his business, underscoring the fund's broader goal of building an economic ecosystem in underserved areas.