New Impact Fund

Risk-tolerant capital, seasoned advising, and real access—backing Black, Indigenous, Latino/a, and Asian entrepreneurs to scale and succeed.

The disparities in the Twin Cities between white and non-white communities are staggering, especially in business ownership where non-white entrepreneurs lack access to resources and capital. However, owning a business can be a way for families in underinvested communities to achieve financial stability, self-reliance, and pride. While black and minority-owned small businesses face significant challenges, overcoming these obstacles will lead to a more diverse and thriving economy for all.

03/12/2026

Congratulations to Kobi Co. on being named Best of Retail & Merchandise at the Best of Black Business Awards from Sister Spokesman and the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder Multimedia Group—a well-deserved recognition. 👏👏👏

The New Impact Fund is honored to have invested in Kobi Co. and to see its continued impact and the awesomeness it brings to us all.

03/05/2026

We’re honored to be among the organizations selected. Thank you to Allianz employees for investing in this work. Your support helps us continue to deploy elevated social capital and patient, flexible capital to undercapitalized Twin Cities businesses. Together, we’re strengthening entrepreneurs, families, and communities in Minnesota.

02/19/2026

NIF’s winter newsletter has arrived! ❄️

This winter, we’re sharing stories of what happens when values, capital, and community come together.

From Jina Penn-Tracy’s human-centered approach to wealth, to Kristina Kenan’s journey from doer to CEO, this issue highlights how aligned capital and trusted relationships help leaders grow—especially in uncertain times.

Because this work isn’t transactional. It’s relational. And it’s how lasting change happens.

Read the full newsletter here: https://www.newimpactfund.org/newsletter/aligned-capital-trusted-partners-strongercommunities-

02/10/2026

Happy Black History Month!

This month, and every month, we honor Black voices, Black history, and the Black innovation shaping our communities and economy. We are grateful to work alongside brilliant Black entrepreneurs across the Twin Cities.

01/27/2026

Big news for A1 Tree & Stump Removal 🎉

We’re excited to share that A1 Tree & Stump Removal—based on the East Side of St. Paul and led by CEO Alex Gebru—has received a growth investment and advisory support from the New Impact Fund.

This partnership provides patient, flexible, risk-oriented capital and enhanced advisory support, making it possible for Alex to invest in new equipment, grow his crew, and take on bigger projects. He’ll also be supported by a retired law firm partner from NIF’s Cohort 5, who will serve as a trusted advisor as the business enters this next stage of growth.

“This grapple truck changes everything for us. We can move faster, take on bigger work, hire more people—and put more opportunity back into the community.” — Alex Gebru

A1’s growth reflects Alex’s deep commitment to creating steady jobs and expanding opportunity for people returning from incarceration and others facing barriers to employment.

Honored to be in Alex’s corner as A1 scales across Minnesota.

01/21/2026

Milestone for Moltron Builders 🎉

We’re excited to share that Moltron Builders has received a growth investment from the New Impact Fund.

This partnership brings together patient, risk-oriented capital and enhanced social capital—experienced operators who bring insight, relationships, and real-world support—to back Babette Buckner and the Moltron team as they grow, strengthen operations, and compete for larger federal and commercial projects.

“This isn't just capital—it's experienced operators backing our growth and helping Moltron compete at a higher level.” — Babette Buckner, CEO

What makes this partnership special is the advisory support alongside the capital. Babette is supported by three seasoned advisors, including members of NIF’s Cohort 5 and a retired construction CFO, as she evaluates new opportunities and leads Moltron into its next phase.

We’re inspired by where Babette is taking the company and honored to be part of the journey.

11/19/2025

Our fall newsletter is here! 🍂✨ This edition shares some of the partnerships that have taken shape this season and the impact they’re already having in the Twin Cities economy. We’re also highlighting the 59 new jobs J. Benson Construction has created and offering a few ideas for supporting small businesses this holiday season.

We hope you enjoy catching up on what’s been happening at the New Impact Fund this season!

Read the full newsletter here: https://20825910.hs-sites.com/new-impact-fund-newsletter-fall-2025-investing-where-possibility-meets

11/18/2025

A community rises when we invest in the people already carrying it

The recent Star Tribune op-ed by Sheree R. Curry and Dr. Yohuru Williams names a truth our region has struggled to confront for decades: Black women continue to face disproportionate job loss, underinvestment, and economic instability—even as they build, lead, and sustain so much of the civic, economic, and cultural life of our communities.

At the New Impact Fund, we see this every day. When Black women are pushed out of traditional employment, many don’t wait for the economy to invite them back—they create opportunity. And still, their businesses remain undercapitalized and underrecognized.

Dr. Williams has been an important voice within our NIF community, helping our Cohort members understand the structural realities that shape this landscape. His work—and Sheree Curry’s leadership in this op-ed—underscores something fundamental: this isn’t about talent. It’s about access. Access to risk-tolerant capital. Access to experienced advising. Access to social capital that opens doors.

The good news? This is doable. Backing these business owners isn’t rocket science. This is where intention becomes action—and where a community rises from within.

If you want to be part of a community of leaders investing in Black women entrepreneurs—as well as Indigenous, Latino/a, and Asian business owners—you can learn more here:
👉 https://www.newimpactfund.org/join-us

Or reach out directly by emailing: [email protected]

Star Tribune article: https://www.startribune.com/us-job-search-2025-woc-workforce/601524921?utm_source=gift_email

03/26/2025

Our Spring newsletter is here!🌷 In this edition, we shine a spotlight on Paul Edlund of J. Benson Construction and NIF investor Jeff Kiesel, Taylor'd Cosmetology School, and Revel & Flourish, as well as introduce our new Program Manager, Lily Yu 🤩

We hope you enjoy this exciting update on the New Impact Fund. Enjoy!

https://buff.ly/WRkYSeq

We understand the challenges posed by recent policy changes and funding disruptions, including the proposed elimination of the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. At the New Impact Fund, we share your steadfast commitment to community well-being, self-determination, and the fut...

03/12/2025

Happy Women's History Month!

This weekend, Tameka Jones, CEO of Lip Esteem, LLC, Tasha Harris, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Kobi Co., and Jill Miller, NIF Cohort member, joined forces at the Jeremiah Program's SummitX Weekend. Tameka, Tasha, and Jill are living proof that, by working together, we can craft the world we wish to see.

New Impact Fund is honored to fund businesses like Lip Esteem and Kobi Co., who are as deeply committed to uplifting their communities as we are.

02/27/2025

Two years strong! We're so delighted to see Kobi Co. getting some well-deserved recognition. Cheers to you 🥂

The self-care shop goes beyond candles and bath bombs by uplifting other local Black-owned businesses.

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http://www.newimpactfund.org/

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