Southwest Economy, Second Quarter 2020
LiftFund’s microlending helps small businesses battle to survive COVID-19
Janie Barrera is the founding president and chief executive officer of San Antonio-based LiftFund. Created in 1994, LiftFund has one of the nation’s largest microlending portfolios. The nonprofit provides loans and management training to very small enterprises in Texas and seven other states.
June 23, 2020
Shock, grief and opportunity: the emotional roller coaster of COVID-19 in the small business community
Given that small businesses employ nearly half of all private sector workers, their struggles directly impact both the well-being of workers and the broader economy.
May 12, 2020
Communities step up to address economic impact of COVID-19
At local and national levels, nonprofits, government agencies, funders and financial institutions are all working to mitigate this economic shock for households and businesses.
April 01, 2020
COVID-19 and CRA: Fed issues guidance on helping communities through the crisis
To help support economic resiliency, we are providing Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) consideration for banking and lending activities in response to COVID-19.
March 27, 2020
Opportunity Zones: How will we know if communities reap the benefits?
Much has happened since the Dallas Fed released its first article on Opportunity Zones (OZs). While we know a lot more than we did, some aspects of OZs remain unclear.
January 31, 2020
Dallas faces a gaping digital divide when it comes to economic inclusion
In the city of Dallas, about 42 percent of households lack a fixed connection to the internet. What does this mean for our neighbors’ economic future? How can we close the digital divide?
December 20, 2019
Women veteran business owners: We want to hear from you
Women veteran-owned small businesses are an important part of our regional economy, but little is known about their needs and challenges.
November 20, 2019
Community Development Publication
Small Business Credit Survey: 2019 Report on Employer Firms in Texas
Drawing on a national survey of small business owners, this report examines financial conditions and credit needs of employer firms in Texas.
August 30, 2019
Community Development Publication
Small Business Credit Survey: 2018 Report on Employer Firms in Texas
Drawing on a national survey of small business owners, this report examines financial conditions and credit needs of employer firms in Texas.
December 14, 2018
Understanding Small Business Conditions
Small businesses are a vital component of our local and national economies. Learn how the Dallas Fed stays informed about small business conditions through surveys, publications, meetings and conversations.
August 15, 2017