Who We Are
Blueprint Investment Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), US Treasury Department certified Community Development Financial Institution with a mission to alleviate poverty, chronic unemployment, and economic inequality in Louisiana's urban and rural centers. We encourage entrepreneurship by providing micro financing to disadvantaged small businesses located in areas in need of revitalization or that are committed to hire low to moderate income residents. Blueprint helps small businesses get started, grow and create jobs in their community and empowers entrepreneurs across the state of Louisiana.
Corporate Documentation
Articles of Incorporation
IRS Determination Letter
Board Bylaws
Board of Directors' Biographies
Lawrence Williams, President
Lawrence Williams earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University New Orleans in 2000. After graduation, he served as an Executive Fellow in the Office of Governor Gray Davis, State of California. Following this one-year appointment, he returned to New Orleans to serve as a political appointee to New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin's administration. As Program Manager for the New Orleans Brownfields Program he oversaw the city's efforts to rehabilitate multiple contaminated commercial real estate projects in the New Orleans metro area. In 2010, Lawrence joined Blueprint Investment Fund's board of directors and currently serves as the organization's Board President and Chief Executive Officer. He is responsible for over-seeing and advancing Blueprint's vision, ensuring that its programs are professionally designed, adequately resourced, and achieve the desired results. Lawrence is responsible for the administration of the micro loan and development program, fundraising and overall operations for the organization.
Isaac Williams, Vice-President
Lauren E. White, Secretary
General Contact
info@blueprintfund.org
(504) 407-5804 (New Orleans Metro Area)
(888) 559-0995 (Outside GNO Metro Area)
What's Our Purpose
Blueprint Investment Fund's mission is to alleviate poverty, chronic unemployment, and economic inequality among residents living in areas of Louisiana in need of revitalization and/or small businesses that are committed to hire low to moderate income residents. We restrict our lending to Louisiana populations in severe, personal economic distress.
Our economic development activities focus on...
• Low-income, disadvantaged, minority and women entrepreneurs who otherwise might not have access to resources and technical support to launch their businesses
• The unemployed and underemployed by launching and nurturing businesses in niche commercial markets holding growth potential by creating jobs and creating the means to access such jobs
• Louisiana residents to be served who live in neighborhoods and areas confronting conditions of deterioration, and/or in need of recovery or revitalization by generating capital investment and income growth through the creation of businesses that otherwise will not exist and/or be sustainable enterprises.
Whom We Serve
Micro Lending Program
Blueprint Investment Fund, Inc is a nonprofit economic development corporation. We provide micro loans of up to $35,000 to entrepreneurs, which can be used for working capital and acquisition of materials, supplies, furniture, fixtures and equipment. Our micro loan repayment terms are set between a 5-8% interest rate. Blueprint originates, underwrites, processes, closes and services interest-free micro loans to low-income and disadvantaged micro enterprises. Blueprint considers new or existing Louisiana businesses physically located in a US Housing & Urban Development (HUD) designated Empowerment Zone/Renewal Community a priority for the micro loan program. HUD defines a Empowerment Zones and Renewal Communities as highly distressed urban and rural communities that may be eligible for a combination of grants, tax credits for businesses, bonding authority and other benefits. Highly distressed refers to communities who have experienced poverty and/or unemployment based upon definitions in the law.
Private Equity Program
Blueprint is a non-profit economic development corporation that leverages private, state and federal economic development resources that bring businesses, technologies and jobs to communities under served by traditional venture capital. Blueprint’s typical initial investment ranges from $100,000 to $500,000.
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