FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


What is the TILT Forward Initiative (TFI)?

TFI is a strategic program of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) to develop and launch scalable product, capital and marketing solutions for CDFIs and community and nonprofit lenders.

 

Why did AEO launch the TILT Forward Initiative?

The TILT Forward Initiative was developed in response to:

  1. The market failure on Main Street described by the Treasury Secretary as 8,000 declines for credit experienced by businesses every work day, a capital gap sized by the Micro Capital Task Force expert team as between $44 billion and $52 billion;

  2. Recognition of the critical role that CDFIs, community lenders, and business service providers can and should play in enabling entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in communities across the country;

  3. Understanding that a highly fragmented industry structure contributes to precarious financial health for many CDFIs and community lending organizations and constrains on their ability to mobilize investment for growth.

How can you learn more about the TILT Forward Initiative?

  • If you’re a small business owner in search of capital or support for your business, fill out the form on the Business Owners page and someone from our team will be in touch soon.

  • If you’re a CDFI, community lender, business service organization, or other nonprofit interested in becoming part of the growing TILT Forward Initiative network, please contact us through our Nonprofits page.

  • If you an investor or represent an organization who is interested in learning more about investing in the TILT Forward Initiative, please fill out the form on the Investors page, and we’ll be in touch soon.