Justine PETERSEN

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1023 North Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63106
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Justine PETERSEN views credit as the most important asset and takes a credit-led approach to lending. Our typical client has an average credit score of 575 at intake which is considered low by most lenders. Justine PETERSEN’s counselors use the one-on-one financial coaching to improve clients’ credit profiles and ability to access safe and affordable capital. We pair secured credit cards, credit building loan products, and micro-loans with our financial education, so clients “learn-by-doing”. If we are successful in what we do, those that traditionally are unable to be served by banks will become a bank’s new customers.

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Mission

Our mission is to connect institutional resources with the needs of low to moderate income individuals and families, helping them to build assets and create enduring change — not just for each individual or family that we assist, but the community as a whole.

Storytelling

Rochelle Bea began her childcare business in her home. In time, she accessed a small business loan and later a larger loan through New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) that allowed her to expand her business and acquire a commercial space. This allowed her to serve nearly 75 children and provide nearly 20 employment opportunities.

Deborah and Freddie Lee James began bottling their BBQ sauce in their home. With a microloan from Justine PETERSEN, they were first able to expand their operation, and then ultimately, with a Community Advantage SBA loan through Justine PETERSEN, they moved into a commercial facility where they were able to produce, bottle and package their product all on one site.

Type of Organization

  • Lending Organization

Locations Served

  • Missouri
  • Illinois
  • Eastern Kansas

Key Programs and Initiatives

Types of Offerings

  • Financing
  • Capital
  • Workshops
  • Matchmaking/networking opportunities
  • Cohort Training Programs

Program Delivery

  • In Person
  • Hybrid (in person/virtual)

Members of the Black Community Served

  • Immigrants
  • Returning Citizens/Formerly incarcerated
  • Women
  • Veterans
  • 65+/Senior Citizens

Locations of Members of the Black Community Served

  • Low-income areas
  • Low to moderate income areas
  • Rural areas
  • Suburban areas
  • Urban areas

Targeted Entrepreneur Segments

  • Construction
  • Wholesale & Retail Trade
  • Accommodation & Food Services
  • Transportation & Logistics
  • Health Care & Social Services

Business Stage

  • Start Up : a young business that is just beginning to develop and determine a market fit.

Cost of Programs

  • Free
  • Closing costs associated with lending transactions