Mission
Salaam Equitable Opportunity Fund is a non-profit, mission-driven emerging community development financial institution dedicated to promoting community development by providing equitable access to capital for historically marginalized communities, small businesses, and nonprofits. Through responsible lending, technical assistance, and business training, we expand economic opportunities, reduce financial disparities, and support job creation in low-income and economically distressed areas.
We focus on serving low- to moderate-income populations, minority- and Native American-owned businesses, women entrepreneurs, and immigrants who lack access to traditional financing. By bridging financial gaps left by traditional lenders, Salaam empowers underserved communities to build wealth, achieve financial independence, and foster long-term economic resilience.
Vision
Our vision is to be a trusted, proactive, and leading small business partner that provides ethical and accessible financial solutions to underserved and underbanked communities, small businesses, and nonprofits. We aim to bridge financial gaps in communities where traditional lenders fail to meet the capital needs of entrepreneurs, ensuring that all businesses, especially those owned by minorities, Native Americans, women, immigrants, and low- to moderate-income individuals can thrive and grow.
Values
- Collaboration: We build strong partnerships with community leaders, financial institutions, and advocacy organizations can maximize our impact.
- Integrity: We operate with transparency, fairness, and adherence to ethical financial practices.
- Transparency: We are open and accountable in our financial products, reporting, and financial management.
- Equitable: We prioritize historically marginalized communities to create more inclusive economic opportunities through products and services that are customized to the needs of the communities we serve.
- Community: We foster entrepreneurship and financial empowerment to uplift entire communities.
Approach
Our approach is rooted in community-driven financial solutions, ensuring equitable and non-extractive capital is deployed to small businesses and individuals who are unable to access traditional financing. Salaam employs innovative lending models, including risk- and profit-sharing financing, to bridge financial disparities and promote economic resilience in underserved communities.
Staff
Zakaria, Executive Director
Ghufran, Chief Lending Officer
Meraj, Loan Officer
Board
Nadia Igram, Attorney
Ashraf Gomma Ali, Ethical Lending & Financing Officer, MBSB Bank
David Glaser, President, Glaser Consulting
Saif Hakim, Commercial Lending Director, Craft3