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About Us

A mission-driven lender helping communities grow

Who We Are

About BrightBridge

BrightBridge Capital exists to strengthen communities through thoughtful, impactful, and responsible lending to nonprofits and for-profit businesses. Founded in 1981, BrightBridge began as an economic development organization with one clear purpose: to help businesses and financial institutions advance projects that create quality, accessible jobs, housing, impactful community outcomes, and opportunities for low-income individuals in the places that need them most.

Over four decades later, that very mission continues to guide everything we do. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a Certified Development Company (CDC), and through our Community Development Entity (CDE) subsidiaries, we direct capital into underserved markets. This helps business owners and our lender partners advance projects that might otherwise stall. We provide the creativity and flexibility of a development partner, combined with the rigor and reliability of a financial institution.

Our role in the lending ecosystem
BrightBridge is not a competitor to financial institutions. We are a partner. Our team works with commercial lenders to close financing gaps, support compliance, and deliver measurable community outcomes. Through programs like our CDFI Loan Fund, SBA’s 504 loan program, and New Markets Tax Credits, we structure capital that aligns public purpose with private enterprise.

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Our Philosophy

Is it the right thing to do?

That simple question guides every decision we make. It shapes how we evaluate risk, how we interact with borrowers and commercial lending institutions, and how we measure success.

For us, the “right thing” includes balancing financial strength with social responsibility. This ensures every project creates lasting benefits for both the businesses and the people living in and connected to the communities they serve.

What this means in action

  • We focus on relationships first, followed by thoughtful transactions.
  • We value transparency, clarity, integrity, and plain-language communication.
  • We meet clients where they are.
  • We advance lending with professionalism and empathy, focusing on both short- and long-term community outcomes throughout the process.

Lasting impact
The result is growth that endures. From local startups to large-scale facilities, the work we do helps businesses expand, and provides workforce development. Our borrowers deliver vital services such as healthcare and affordable housing in underserved communities and create quality, accessible jobs.

Success Stories

Real words from clients about their experience with us.

From the beginning, BrightBridge was wonderful to work with. Even in the beginning stages, answering questions, they kept us up to date as we filled out paperwork, supplied documents, and went through the process for the first time. They made the process easy, they were kind and relatable and made it as easy as possible for me.
Jennifer Black

Co-Owner, Peachy Playtown (Perry, GA)

An acquaintance recommended that I look into BrightBridge when I was searching for solutions to fund my startup. After some thoughtful research, I decided to participate in a few of their courses. After that, I knew that BrightBridge was the place for me to begin the process of building Scenic City Wellness. Emily Gilliam [loan processor] was very helpful in making the process as smooth as possible. BrightBridge helped me secure a BRIDGE2BANKABLE loan — one of the biggest decisions of my life. At times, it required me to stop, think, and map out how I envisioned Scenic City Wellness, but their patience and support made all the difference.
Machelle Morris

MSN ANP-C, Owner, Scenic City Wellness (Chattanooga, TN)

Facing high demand for our services, we quickly outgrew the 900-square-foot office we were in. We loved the idea of buying the company’s next office, but a conventional down payment would tie up the working capital needed for ongoing operations. The loan from BrightBridge required a reduced down payment, allowing us to acquire and build out our new location. Our team now has room to spread out in our 4,000 square feet of office space and another 2,500 square feet of studio and storage space. We have a bright new office we’re proud to show clients — and one that makes our employees even more productive.
Andy Feliou

Owner, Loch & Key Productions (Knoxville, TN)

Meet the People Behind BrightBridge

The team and board that make our mission possible

Behind every project we fund is a team of professionals who believe in what’s possible. From our Relationship Managers who work directly with lenders and business owners, to our leadership and operations teams who keep every project on track, each person at BrightBridge plays a part in strengthening local economies.

BrightBridge Capital’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board are made up of respected professionals and community leaders who provide strategic oversight, ensure accountability to low-income individuals and people who live and work in low-income communities, and uphold the organization’s mission to create meaningful economic impact.

Learn more about the people who make it all work.

Meet Our Team
View Our Board

Ready to talk about a project?

Have a project, client scenario, or community need to discuss? We’d love to hear about it.

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