South Florida Business Journal
By Ashley Garrett
May 3, 2021
In this article, SELF is featured on how they are the first leading green bank in Florida and how they secured a $5M line of credit from BankUnited. To read the full article, click here.
Here is an excerpt:
After securing its largest-ever investment from Miami Lakes-based BankUnited, one of Florida’s leading lenders for sustainable improvement projects is seeking to expand equitable climate financing across South Florida and other key Southeast regions.
Fort Pierce-based SELF differs from traditional lenders in that it provides unsecured loans based on ability to repay, rather than credit scores or income levels. As a certified member of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution Fund, SELF is a mission-driven organization that finances loans to underserved communities for sustainable property improvements. Such projects, which can range from solar products to storm resilience installations, aim to help clients improve their quality of life and reduce their carbon footprint.
“SELF built this niche of sustainability lending before it was in Vogue”
CLAIRE RALEY, SENIOR VP AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER OF BANKUNITED
Raley added, “I was impressed with their ability to respond to market demands — like their new lending product for wind mitigation after the devastating 2016 hurricane season. We are excited to take our relationship beyond our grant program to become a true growth partner with a Business Line of Credit.”