Genesis Bank’s ‘Genesis for Good Foundation’ Secures $100,000 Grant from FHLBank San Francisco to Empower Diverse Entrepreneurs
Genesis Bank has announced that its charitable arm, the Genesis for Good Foundation (GFG), will receive a $100,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) AHEAD Program, with the support of CVB Financial Corp., the parent company of Citizens Business Bank. This grant will bolster the Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program, a collaborative initiative with Genesis Bank’s Institute for Entrepreneurship and in partnership with Fiserv, Inc., aimed at supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs and diverse small businesses in Southern California.
The Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program focuses on assisting small business owners in low- to moderate-income communities by providing vital resources such as capacity building, networking, education, and financial support. Eligible small businesses can receive grants of up to $10,000, designed to help them grow and thrive in a competitive market.
The grant application was submitted jointly by Genesis for Good and Citizens Business Bank as part of a competitive process through the AHEAD Program, which allows FHLBank San Francisco members to enhance local projects addressing community needs. The AHEAD Program has a long-standing commitment to fostering opportunities for underserved populations by offering financial support to impactful initiatives.
Leadership Comments on the Grant Impact
Stephen H. Gordon, Chairman and CEO of Genesis Bank and Chairman of the Genesis for Good Foundation, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are honored to receive this grant from the FHLBank San Francisco AHEAD Program. This partnership exemplifies the potential of financial institutions to make a significant impact when working together to support our communities. As one of only five diverse, multiracial Minority Depository Institutions (MDI) among the 4,600 banks in the U.S., our collaboration with FHLBank San Francisco and Citizens Business Bank highlights the positive change that can be achieved when we unite to empower small businesses across Southern California.”
Amil Aaron, President and Executive Director of the Genesis for Good Foundation and Senior Vice President, Head of Community Impact at Genesis Bank, highlighted the program’s mission, saying, “We are thankful for the support from Fiserv, Citizens Business Bank, and now FHLBank San Francisco. Our goal is to drive growth and create jobs for diverse small businesses, particularly those that have historically faced challenges accessing resources. We look forward to partnering with more like-minded organizations to expand our outreach and impact.”
FHLBank San Francisco and Citizens Business Bank on Their Commitment
Eric Cicourel, Community Investment Officer at FHLBank San Francisco, emphasized the importance of the program: “This grant, delivered in partnership with Citizens Business Bank, aims to provide critical economic opportunities for minority- and women-owned small businesses in Southern California. The AHEAD Program has made a positive impact for over 20 years, and we are proud to continue this legacy of community support.”
Jess Tirado, Vice President and Community Development Officer at Citizens Business Bank, added, “The AHEAD Program is instrumental in equipping lower-income communities with the necessary infrastructure and resources to thrive in a changing economy. We are excited to work with Genesis Bank and the Genesis for Good Foundation to empower small business owners and diverse entrepreneurs throughout the region.”
Learn More About the Program
Small businesses interested in applying for the GFG Catalyst Empowerment Grant Program can visit Genesis for Good’s Catalyst Grant page. Organizations seeking to collaborate with GFG to support the program can contact the foundation directly for more information.
This initiative marks a significant step in fostering inclusive economic growth and empowering entrepreneurs from historically marginalized communities in Southern California.
