Lendistry

Lendistry operates as a minority-led financial technology (fintech) company and a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a designation certified by the U.S. Treasury. The company was founded in 2015 by Everett K. Sands, who drew upon over two decades of experience in the banking sector to address the growing difficulty small businesses face in accessing capital. Sands's background includes managing credit, operations, and sales departments, closing over $4 billion in transactions, and holding leadership roles at institutions like Wells Fargo, where he significantly grew sales volumes. He established Lendistry to assist small businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, and those in rural areas.

The firm's business model combines a proprietary technology platform for efficiency with the principles of traditional lending, focusing on strong risk management. Lendistry generates revenue by providing a range of lending solutions and administering grant programs. Its client base includes small to medium-sized businesses across all 50 states, government entities, and non-profit organizations. A key part of its strategy involves forming partnerships with financial institutions and government bodies to deploy capital. The company also collaborates with its nonprofit partner, The Center by Lendistry, to provide educational resources and technical assistance to business owners.

Lendistry offers several financial products, including term loans, SBA 7(a) loans, and non-revolving lines of credit, with loan amounts starting at $25,000 and reaching up to $10 million for commercial real estate. Repayment terms can extend up to 25 years. The firm has specific programs tailored for various needs, such as the Amazon Community Lending Program for e-commerce sellers, financing for airport concessionaires, and the Colorado Startup Loan Fund. Lendistry also serves as an administrator for government relief and grant programs, such as California's COVID-19 relief grants and Los Angeles County's Entertainment Business Interruption Fund. This dual focus on direct lending and grant administration allows it to support businesses that may be overqualified for alternative lenders but underqualified for traditional bank loans.

Keywords: small business lending, fintech, CDFI, minority-led lender, Community Development Financial Institution, Everett K. Sands, business loans, SBA loans, grant administration, underserved communities, access to capital, commercial real estate loans, government contract financing, Amazon lending, startup loans, economic development, financial inclusion, responsible lending, community partnerships, business financial education