In many ways, 2021 was a tough year. We all came away with scars. But gathering our team together (safely) for our annual business review earlier this month refilled my well. We’ve been growing like wild, and it was the first time I met half of these teammates outside of our screens!
We shared accomplishments and lessons learned and co-created our vision and goals for this next chapter. Delicious mission-aligned catering, much laughter, perfect San Diego winter weather, and more than a few rapid tests kept us in great spirits.
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Some of the recent highlights we celebrated were welcoming five more impactful companies and nonprofits to our portfolio:
- Havana Grill, an immigrant woman-led, family-owned restaurant that specializes in authentic Cuban cuisine and offers vegetarian and vegan options
- ChargeNet, a cleantech software company headquartered in San Diego that brings electric vehicle charging to quick-service restaurants, expanding access to EV infrastructure
- Cairnspring Mills, an artisan flour producer that processes high-quality grains from small regenerative farms—our first investment from the new Regenerative Harvest Fund
- Think Dignity, a San Diego nonprofit that works to advance basic dignity for people experiencing homelessness through advocacy and innovation
- Heartbeat Music & Performing Arts Academy, another San Diego nonprofit that uses music and dance education to uplift youth in inner-city and lower-income communities
The team that gathered two weeks ago looked markedly different from that of our humble beginnings. Employee #1 Carrie Stokes Holst, recently moved on to her next adventure after five jampacked years establishing a strong foundation together.
The team building on that foundation in 2022 includes both new roles and new members. I am beyond grateful to continue growing with recently promoted teammates Andrew Moncada, Laura Olivas, and Crystal Sevilla.
 And I am thrilled to introduce Catherine Rotchford, senior director of portfolio services. Catherine brings a beautiful balance of experience in structured finance, private credit, microfinance, community initiatives, and social enterprise along with an insatiable curiosity and a love of developing others. She’ll be leading our borrower services team alongside Crystal and working closely with our client-partners in operationalizing new impact capital strategies.
We continue to add to the incredible team we have assembled. If you know anyone who would be a great addition to Mission Driven Finance as we seek expertise in real estate, knowledge systems, and accounting, please share these opportunities with them.
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Be well and take care of one another,
Lauren Grattan
Co-founder & Chief Community Officer
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Check the jobs page and follow us on social media for the latest openings.
Help us spread the word! 📢
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We invest in impactful small businesses and nonprofits, including—but not limited to—those supporting immigrants, refugees, and survivors of trafficking, businesses transitioning to an employee-ownership model, and entities advancing regenerative agriculture.
- Options for loans, revenue-based financing, or equity
- Islamic financing available
- Flexible payment schedules
- No personal credit scores required
- No personal guarantees required
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Do you know any tenacious small businesses and nonprofits that are doing great things but need capital?
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We’ve got good news for you: As a way to thank the community champions who introduce us to impact-driven organizations that we haven’t met yet, we want to share not only our gratitude but also a referral bonus of $250 (upon disbursement of capital to the referred borrower).
If this sounds like you or someone you know, become a champion and reach out to us!
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