Vision

Founded in 2005, AltCap is a critical source of alternative financing for communities and entrepreneurs who fall outside the financial mainstream. We are impact-driven and community-focused. To date, AltCap has deployed more than $300 million in capital, financing small businesses and real estate development projects that were overlooked by traditional financial institutions.

Mission

AltCap’s mission is to empower underserved entrepreneurs by providing accessible capital to pursue their dreams and help our communities thrive.

History

AltCap was initially launched as a Community Development Entity, providing high-impact capital to job-creating businesses and catalytic real estate development projects.

In 2015, AltCap was certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the CDFI Fund of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This designation advanced our mission by providing additional resources to better support and advocate for the small businesses that drive the economic and community development in the communities we serve. 

The concept of CDFIs dates back to the 19th century with the creation of minority depository institutions and is rooted in the Civil Rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s. For generations, CDFIs have helped marginalized communities access new opportunities and create economic agency for those negatively impacted by segregation and redlining.

Inheriting this CDFI legacy, AltCap helps address the structural barriers that have prevented capital from flowing to communities and entrepreneurs that need it most. At AltCap, we recognize that there is still vital work to be done in creating economic opportunities that build wealth and assets for more people. As our service area expands, our work will always be rooted in empowering entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities to prosper and thrive.

Core Values

Unapologetically Defy Conventions

Rather than turning away, we intentionally face challenges with unconventional solutions. We are tenacious in building a more accessible economy and will break norms to do so.

Forge Collaborative Connection

We are stronger, smarter, and better together. Our impact is the combination of many teammates’ talents. Excellence comes from harnessing the collective strengths and diverse perspectives of our team.

Take Purposeful Action

We infuse every action with meaningful intention. Our approach ensures our efforts are not just productive but impactful. We’re driven by an earnest pursuit of improving our community and the lives of our borrowers.

Cultivate Curiosity

We are relentlessly committed to continuous development — both individually and collectively. We foster an environment that encourages every AltCap team member to achieve their full potential.

Practice Proactive Care

We prioritize clear, responsive communication and take the initiative to address the needs of our team, borrowers, and the communities we serve. We believe that empathy and accountability foster trust.

The AltCap Ethos

We believe accessible capital creates stronger, more vibrant communities. We help make that a reality by empowering the success of underestimated entrepreneurs through flexible financing.

This short film offers a small taste of who we serve and why we do what we do.

What we do.

We increase the flow of capital to underinvested communities through alternative financing products, entrepreneur-focused programming, and strategic partnerships.

Why we do it.

We believe that fair access to capital strengthens communities and creates opportunities for more people to participate in and contribute to the growth of our economy.

Our Family.

Our affiliate, AltCap California, provides accessible financing to entrepreneurs in California. equity2 is an impact investment firm that deploys equity capital in communities that lack institutional capital. Our non-affiliate partner, the Community Capital Fund, provides grants to neighborhoods and businesses.