The Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF) is a non-traditional lender that specializes in providing loans to minority and small businesses. It is a CDFI (Certified Development Financing Institution), CDE (Certified Development Enterprise) as certified by the U. S. Department of Treasury and Community Advantage Lender as certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration.  In Fiscal Year 2010/2011 BBIF was accepted as a member of the Opportunity Finance Network, only 1 of 4 in the state of Florida.  In addition, the BBIF assists businesses in building their management capacity through financial technical assistance services. The BBIF administers two loan programs, which are: the Black Business Loan Fund (BBLF) and the Micro-Loan Fund (MLF).

GOALS of the BBIF are to engage in investments, projects and activities that have a positive economic and community impact, and a financial educational focus including but not limited to the following: (1) Obtaining contributions by financial institutions and private investors to create and expand capital funds for business loans and investments; (2) Acting as a business investment corporation by providing direct loans, guarantees, subordinated debt, equity and other capital products; (3) Fostering and advocating for contract opportunities for businesses which will create and sustain jobs; and (4) Assisting in the establishment of training and educational programs which will assist in providing financial technical assistance in the areas of marketing, legal, finance, strategy development, management, and accounting systems.

The MISSION of the BBIF is to develop and promote businesses by providing loan capital, training and education and to create an environment conducive to their development. BBIF’s APPROACH to developing a successful business is founded in the belief that business success is achieved when Access to Capital, Capacity (infrastructure strengthening), Opportunities (increased revenue) and Networking (relationship/mentoring enhancement) all come together for the small business. Through our combined loan and technical assistance services, we bring all four of these variables together to assist the small business.