ALBUQUERQUE, NM — DreamSpring, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, has received a $25,000 grant through the Maker-to-Market Accelerator, a national program administered by the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) with support from Truist Foundation. The grant will fund hands-on guidance for local small-scale manufacturers, connecting them with the coaching and resources they need to grow their operations and reach new markets.
DreamSpring is one of 12 nonprofits selected nationwide to participate in the 18-month program, which is designed to help organizations better serve small-scale manufacturers. Participants share insights with peer organizations and work to unlock new lending capital for clients. Small manufacturers face unique hurdles when trying to scale production or access specialized facilities — and the Maker-to-Market Accelerator is designed to help bridge that gap.
"When local makers have the right support, the whole community benefits," says Marisa Barrera, Acting CEO of DreamSpring. "This grant allows us to offer the tailored coaching small manufacturers need to grow their operations and keep their businesses rooted right here at home."
“Local manufacturers play a critical role in building resilient economies,” says Rossana Espinoza, Director of Small Business Investments at NALCAB. “Through the Maker-to-Market Accelerator, we’re proud to partner with organizations like DreamSpring to help local makers overcome barriers, strengthen their businesses, and create lasting economic opportunity in their communities.”
Since 1994, DreamSpring has worked to increase small business ownership across 27 states by providing rapid access to capital and dedicated support to underserved entrepreneurs. The Maker-to-Market Accelerator is a natural extension of that work — helping local makers take their products from the workbench to a wider market. To learn more about supporting small business owners, inquire about becoming a partner at DreamSpring.org/partners or make a donation at DreamsSpring.org/donate.
About NALCAB
NALCAB is a one-of-a-kind CDFI intermediary with 200+ member CDFI and economic development nonprofit member organizations working to maximize the economic contributions of the Latino population to the U.S. economy. NALCAB's presence extends to all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. Learn more at nalcab.org.
About DreamSpring
DreamSpring is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender dedicated to propelling individual and family economic mobility and community wealth-building by helping people start and grow small businesses. Founded in 1994, the organization provides rapid access to capital and customized wrap-around support to entrepreneurs and nonprofits in 27 states. To date, DreamSpring has issued more than 47,925 loans totaling over $582 million to small businesses that support an estimated 67,800 jobs. Learn more at www.DreamSpring.org.
For media inquiries, contact:
Laura Marrich
DreamSpring Senior Communications Specialist
+1 505-456-0104
lmarrich@dreamspring.org