PeopleFund Blog

Feb 132025

Client Spotlight: Whale Pools

in Client Success, Small Business

Whale Pools: Designing Luxury Aquatic Experiences in Houston  For many homeowners and businesses, a pool is more than just a backyard feature—it’s a place for connection, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. That’s the vision that drives Whale Pools, a Houston-based pool design and construction company founded by Frank O. in 2015. With over…

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Whale Pools: Designing Luxury Aquatic Experiences in Houston  For many homeowners and businesses, a pool is more than just a backyard feature—it’s a place for connection, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. That’s the vision that drives Whale Pools, a Houston-based pool design and construction company founded by Frank O. in 2015. With over…

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Nov 202024

Rising to the Occasion: Sanford Sourdough Bakery’s Journey with PeopleFund

in Small Business

In the heart of Round Rock, Texas, Sanford Sourdough Bakery has become a beloved neighborhood staple, celebrated for its commitment to quality and community. Owned by Meriann and Dave Sanford, the bakery’s story began in 2018, when the couple moved to Texas with their then-10-year-old California-style sourdough starter. Initially baking bread for…

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In the heart of Round Rock, Texas, Sanford Sourdough Bakery has become a beloved neighborhood staple, celebrated for its commitment to quality and community. Owned by Meriann and Dave Sanford, the bakery’s story began in 2018, when the couple moved to Texas with their then-10-year-old California-style sourdough starter. Initially baking bread for…

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Nov 122024
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Veteran Loan Fund announces its third-year results, closing of second round of funding

in Press Releases

The fund supporting Veteran-Owned Small Businesses does it again   AUSTIN, Texas, November 11, 2024 – The Veteran Loan Fund (VLF) announced that since its launch in 2021, its members have deployed more than $77 million across the country, helping over 1,000 veteran-owned businesses create or retain close to 5,500 jobs. More…

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The fund supporting Veteran-Owned Small Businesses does it again   AUSTIN, Texas, November 11, 2024 – The Veteran Loan Fund (VLF) announced that since its launch in 2021, its members have deployed more than $77 million across the country, helping over 1,000 veteran-owned businesses create or retain close to 5,500 jobs. More…

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Oct 232024
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PeopleFund President and CEO Gustavo Lasala Receives Inaugural Executive Leadership Award from Opportunity Finance Network

in Press Releases, Small Business

AUSTIN, TX, October 23, 2024 – Gustavo Lasala, President and CEO of PeopleFund, received the inaugural Executive Leadership Award from Opportunity Finance Network (OFN). This new award celebrates exceptional leadership in the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) field, recognizing Gustavo’s dedication to driving economic growth in low-income communities. Gustavo’s leadership journey spans…

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AUSTIN, TX, October 23, 2024 – Gustavo Lasala, President and CEO of PeopleFund, received the inaugural Executive Leadership Award from Opportunity Finance Network (OFN). This new award celebrates exceptional leadership in the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) field, recognizing Gustavo’s dedication to driving economic growth in low-income communities. Gustavo’s leadership journey spans…

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Sep 272024
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PeopleFund Receives $12 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott

in Press Releases, Small Business

Austin-Based CDFI Celebrates 30th Anniversary and $1 Billion in Direct Economic Impact with Record Fundraiser and Historic Donation   Austin, TX — September 27, 2024 — PeopleFund, a Texas-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), proudly announced a $12 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott through her Yield Giving initiative. The generous donation…

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Austin-Based CDFI Celebrates 30th Anniversary and $1 Billion in Direct Economic Impact with Record Fundraiser and Historic Donation   Austin, TX — September 27, 2024 — PeopleFund, a Texas-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), proudly announced a $12 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott through her Yield Giving initiative. The generous donation…

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Sep 252024

PeopleFund Celebrates 30 Years of Economic Impact in Texas

in Small Business

Austin, TX – September 25, 2024 – PeopleFund, an Austin-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is proud to celebrate 30 years of creating economic opportunities for small businesses across Texas. Since its inception, PeopleFund has delivered more than $235 million in loans to over 5,600 businesses and helped create or retain more…

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Austin, TX – September 25, 2024 – PeopleFund, an Austin-based Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is proud to celebrate 30 years of creating economic opportunities for small businesses across Texas. Since its inception, PeopleFund has delivered more than $235 million in loans to over 5,600 businesses and helped create or retain more…

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Sep 242024
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PeopleFund Partners with Harris County to Launch Historic Loan Fund

in Press Releases

Groundbreaking $17 million fund for Small Businesses   Houston, TX – September 24, 2024 – PeopleFund is proud to announce its partnership with Harris County to establish and manage the Harris County Opportunity Fund, a revolving loan program designed to support small businesses. This initiative increases the access to capital for minority…

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Groundbreaking $17 million fund for Small Businesses   Houston, TX – September 24, 2024 – PeopleFund is proud to announce its partnership with Harris County to establish and manage the Harris County Opportunity Fund, a revolving loan program designed to support small businesses. This initiative increases the access to capital for minority…

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Aug 132024

Client Feature: Cactus Valley Art & Supply Company

in Small Business

Nestled in the heart of the historic Downtown District of Harlingen, Cactus Valley Art & Supply Company stands as a warm and welcoming space where creativity can flourish. As a small, independently owned art supply store, their mission goes beyond just selling materials; they aim to make art accessible to everyone in…

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Nestled in the heart of the historic Downtown District of Harlingen, Cactus Valley Art & Supply Company stands as a warm and welcoming space where creativity can flourish. As a small, independently owned art supply store, their mission goes beyond just selling materials; they aim to make art accessible to everyone in…

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May 272024

Client Feature: Alamo Assistive Technology

in Client Success, Small Business

Alamo Assistive Technology’s mission is to empower individuals facing permanent or temporary communication disabilities by providing innovative assistive communication devices. They believe that every voice, every expression, and every connection matters. Communication is not just a tool but a fundamental human right. Alamo Assistive Technology’s heartfelt commitment is to bridge the gap…

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Alamo Assistive Technology’s mission is to empower individuals facing permanent or temporary communication disabilities by providing innovative assistive communication devices. They believe that every voice, every expression, and every connection matters. Communication is not just a tool but a fundamental human right. Alamo Assistive Technology’s heartfelt commitment is to bridge the gap…

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Feb 272024
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PeopleFund Named a Bank of America 2023 Neighborhood Builder® in Austin

in Press Releases, Small Business

The Nonprofit Will Receive $200,000 in Flexible Funding and Leadership Training to Advance Economic Mobility   AUSTIN – Today, Bank of America named PeopleFund as one of its 2023 Neighborhood Builders® award winners for their work to support entrepreneurs in Austin and throughout Texas. Through this multi-year grant funding and extensive leadership…

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The Nonprofit Will Receive $200,000 in Flexible Funding and Leadership Training to Advance Economic Mobility   AUSTIN – Today, Bank of America named PeopleFund as one of its 2023 Neighborhood Builders® award winners for their work to support entrepreneurs in Austin and throughout Texas. Through this multi-year grant funding and extensive leadership…

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