Albuquerque, NM — DreamSpring, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that expands economic opportunity through small business lending and support, has received a $55,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation through its Community Possible program. The general operating support will fuel DreamSpring’s efforts to serve entrepreneurs across Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado.
U.S. Bank is one of DreamSpring’s largest and most tenured supporters, providing funding that helps entrepreneurs access capital and opportunity. In 2024, DreamSpring received landmark support through the U.S. Bank Opportunity Fund. Today, the relationship continues to thrive, with DreamSpring’s founder, former CEO, and current strategic advisor serving on the U.S. Bank Community Advisory Committee.
“U.S. Bank has supported DreamSpring for decades, helping to propel entrepreneurs toward financial security, creativity, and prosperity,” says Ginny Bayless, Treasurer of the DreamSpring Board of Directors. “This grant builds on that legacy of impact, helping small business owners across the Southwest work to create jobs, grow community wealth, and weave stronger futures.”
One of those entrepreneurs is Zefren-M, a textile artist and jeweler from Shiprock, New Mexico, and a member of the Navajo Nation. With DreamSpring loans, Zefren-M was able to purchase equipment, consolidate debt, and grow a thriving practice recognized by institutions such as the Heard Museum in Phoenix and Santa Fe Indian Market. Most recently, Zefren-M’s artistry was featured in a Ralph Lauren residency and product capsule.
“Working with organizations like DreamSpring to support small businesses and job growth can help strengthen the communities we serve,” says Arturo Pérez, VP, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank. “When small businesses thrive and people can succeed in the workplace, we’re contributing toward a brighter future.”
This grant is part of U.S. Bank’s Community Possible platform, which invests time, resources, and passion into creating stable jobs, better homes, and vibrant communities. With this new U.S. Bank Foundation grant, DreamSpring will continue delivering impact loans, financial education, and wrap-around support to small business owners.
For more information about DreamSpring and its programs, visit DreamSpring.org.
About U.S. Bancorp
U.S. Bancorp, with approximately 70,000 employees and $686 billion in assets as of June 30, 2025, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses including consumer banking, business banking, commercial banking, institutional banking, payments and wealth management. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, community partnerships and customer service, including being named one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies and one of Fortune’s most admired superregional banks. Learn more at usbank.com/about.
About DreamSpring
DreamSpring is a nonprofit Community Development organization 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 DreamSpring.org.