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John Howard Shaw-Woo
John Howard Shaw-Woo
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Noir Lending CDFI, Inc.
(844) 664-7222
email John
Noir Lending CDFI, Inc.
Description Block
KBA Associate Member

Noir Lending CDFI Inc. is proud to be Kentucky's sole Black-led Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Our mission is to advance financial equity by providing earlier and "Easier Access to Capital" for underserved populations, including Black and Hispanic communities, immigrants, and college-aged youth across Kentucky. Through fostering financial inclusion, we aim to create wealth-building opportunities that drive lasting economic empowerment.

Launched in November 2024, Noir Lending CDFI Inc.

Noir Lending’s mission is to address the credit needs hindering economic growth within Black, Hispanic, and marginalized communities—including college-aged youth—by providing responsive, affordable financial products and services.

Our Offerings:
$500 Credit Builder Loans: Designed to help individuals build or improve their credit scores.

Small-Dollar Consumer Loans (up to $2,500): Available for various needs, including tenant support, personal use, small business ventures, home improvements, education expenses, immigration fees, and more.

Impact of Credit Builder Loans
Access to credit builder loans is transformative for Black, Hispanic, marginalized communities, and college-aged youth who face systemic barriers to financial stability and wealth-building.

  • Improved Access to Credit: Provides an opportunity to establish or improve credit scores, enabling access to more types of credit in the future.
  • Reduced Cost of Borrowing: Better credit scores lead to lower interest rates and fees.
  • Financial Education: Many credit builder loans include financial literacy components, teaching budgeting, credit management, and financial planning.
  • Addressing Historical Inequities: Helps borrowers build creditworthiness and access mainstream financial services.
  • Emergency Preparedness: A good credit score offers a financial safety net in emergencies.
  • Economic Mobility: Opens opportunities to secure loans for business, education, and homeownership.
  • Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Better credit improves long-term financial outcomes for future generations.

Importance of Small-Dollar Consumer Loans
Small-dollar loans address critical financial needs in underserved communities, offering support for:
  • Housing: Assisting with down payments or rental deposits to prevent homelessness and housing instability.
  • Personal Needs: Covering unexpected expenses, medical bills, or emergencies.
  • Business Ventures: Providing capital to start or expand small businesses, creating jobs, and stimulating local economies.
  • Home Repairs: Funding necessary repairs for safe and livable homes.
  • First-Time Home Buying: Covering closing costs and other expenses for new homeowners.
  • Debt Consolidation: Reducing the burden of high-interest debts.
  • Education and Development: Funding tuition, certifications, or skill development programs.
  • Immigration Expenses: Supporting individuals and families with immigration-related costs.
  • Assistive Technology: Making disability-related technologies more affordable and accessible.
  • Auto Repairs: Ensuring reliable transportation for work, education, and healthcare.

Results and Impact
Noir Lending is bridging equity gaps for Black, Hispanic, and marginalized communities—including college-aged youth—by improving access to credit-building and small-dollar consumer loans.
These initiatives empower individuals to:
  • Build and repair credit.
  • Achieve financial stability.
  • Unlock wealth-building opportunities, such as homeownership and business development.
  • Create pathways to economic empowerment and social mobility.

By addressing these systemic financial disparities, Noir Lending is fostering lasting change and uplifting communities to achieve financial independence and economic growth.