The American promise is one of equal opportunity, but in most of our communities today, access to the resources that enable prosperity are too far out of reach.

That’s because there is one unseen factor that influences who is able to thrive and who cannot: capital. The flow of capital into communities has a dramatic effect on which kind of people can open small businesses, buy homes, and generally participate in the American Dream.

Places that are already thriving are able to easily access capital. Banks see these neighborhoods as a “safe bet” and will readily support the opening of new businesses, construction of new homes, and mortgage lending. But those places that are struggling—and have been struggling—do not receive the same treatment. These are the inner-city neighborhoods, the rural communities, and the suburban areas that have been abandoned.

Subscribe to the Daily newsletter.Fast Company's trending stories delivered to you every day

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

SIGN UP

Privacy PolicyFast Company Newsletters

There are some capital options for these under-resourced communities. Nonprofit and community banks offer concessionary........

© Fast Company