Technical Assistance for CDFIs

Make It

Serve your entrepreneurs where they are!

Strengthening Borrowers • Reducing Risk • Expanding Economic Opportunity

International Strategic Management (ISM) supports Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) with high-impact technical assistance that improves borrower performance, increases loan readiness, and reduces portfolio risk. Our programs are hands-on, data-driven, and empowered by ISM’s state-of-the-art AI and technology tools.

Our Services Include:

  • Loan-Ready & Capital-Readiness Training
    Business planning, financial documentation, loan packaging, DSCR prep, and break-even analysis.

  • Business, Growth & Resilient Planning
    Strategic planning, contingency planning, revenue diversification, and operational improvement.

  • Financial Coaching & Forecasting
    Cash-flow management, pricing strategy, budgeting, financial forecasting, and stabilization support.

  • Market Research & Feasibility Analysis
    Industry benchmarking, competitive analysis, customer segmentation, and growth strategy mapping.

  • Portfolio Strengthening & Risk Reduction
    At-risk borrower interventions, turnaround support, fraud prevention education, and performance monitoring.

  • CDFI Staff Capacity Building
    Training loan officers and program staff to better support startups, microbusinesses, SMEs, and scale-ups.

  • AI-Powered Business Tools
    Business planning generator, forecasting tools, break-even calculators, resilient entrepreneur canvas, loan-readiness checklists, and more.

Why CDFIs Partner with ISM

  • 20+ years supporting entrepreneurs in 100+ countries

  • Proven track record increasing loan approvals

  • Reduces staff workload by delivering expert TA

  • Deep expertise serving under-resourced communities

  • Programs customizable from 1 day to 1 year

Why CDFIs Choose ISM

  • 20+ years serving entrepreneurs in 100+ countries

  • Proven ability to increase loan readiness and repayment success

  • Reduces CDFI staff workload by delivering high-quality TA

  • Deep expertise with underserved communities

  • Programs customized for microbusinesses, SMEs, startups, and growth-oriented companies

  • AI-enhanced tools for faster, more precise outcomes

IISM – Technical Assistance Services for CDFIs

Strengthening Borrowers. Reducing Risk. Fueling Community Growth.

International Strategic Management (ISM) is a globally recognized provider of entrepreneurship, business development, and ecosystem-building programs. For more than two decades, ISM has partnered with CDFIs, EDOs, ESOs, banks, and government agencies to ensure entrepreneurs become capital-ready, loan-ready, and growth-ready—while reducing risk across lending portfolios.

ISM delivers hands-on training, customized business coaching, resilient planning, and advanced AI-powered tools that help CDFIs strengthen their borrowers and expand economic opportunity.

Core Technical Assistance Services for CDFIs

1. Loan-Ready & Capital-Readiness Support

Comprehensive training and coaching that prepare entrepreneurs to confidently apply for and secure capital.

Includes:

  • Capital Readiness Curriculum

  • Loan Application Packaging

  • Business Plan Development (AI-enhanced)

  • Business Model Validation

  • Financial Documentation Preparation

  • Underwriting & Lending Criteria Overview

  • DSCR & repayment strategy development

  • Break-Even Point Analysis (BEP)

2. One-on-One Business & Financial Coaching

High-touch individualized support for borrowers at every stage.

Focus Areas:

  • Business Planning & Growth Planning

  • Resilient Planning & Contingency Preparedness

  • Cash-Flow Management & Budgeting

  • Pricing Strategy & Cost Structure Optimization

  • Financial Forecasting (1–3 years)

  • QuickBooks Setup & Clean-Up

  • Turnaround & Stabilization Plans

  • Credit Repair Guidance (non-legal)

3. Portfolio Strengthening & Risk Reduction

Reducing default risk through proactive support, performance monitoring, and early-intervention coaching.

Capabilities:

  • At-Risk Borrower Intervention

  • Crisis & Turnaround Coaching

  • Fraud Prevention Education

  • Financial System Check-Ups

  • Revenue Diversification Strategies

  • Operational Efficiency Improvements

  • Performance Tracking & KPI Monitoring

4. Market Research & Growth Strategy Analysis

Data-driven insights that support stronger funding decisions and borrower success.

Deliverables:

  • Market & Industry Analysis

  • Competitive Benchmarking

  • Ecosystem Mapping

  • Customer Segmentation

  • Feasibility Assessments

  • Growth Strategy Roadmaps

  • Market Entry Plans

  • Break-Even & Cost Analysis Using AI Tools

5. CDFI Staff Capacity-Building & Professional Development

Training your team to better support entrepreneurs and enhance internal TA services.

Training Topics:

  • Best Practices for Technical Assistance

  • Lending & TA Alignment for Better Outcomes

  • Understanding Startups vs. SMEs vs. Scale-Ups

  • Outreach & Engagement Strategies

  • Mentorship Program Design

  • Financial Coaching Skills

  • AI Tools for TA & Capital Readiness

6. Signature Programs & Special Projects

CDFIs can integrate ISM’s proven programs directly into their services.

Programs Include:

  • Capital Ready Bootcamp

  • Resilient Entrepreneur Program

  • Business Planning & Growth Accelerator

  • Yallah Global (global B2B & market expansion)

  • Global Trade Mission

  • Capacity-Building Tours (local, national, and international)

Programs range from one-day intensives to full-year engagements.

7. ISM’s State-of-the-Art AI & Technology Tools

CDFI borrowers gain access to world-class digital tools to accelerate their progress:

  • AI-powered Business Planning Platform

  • Cash Flow & Financial Forecasting Tool

  • Break-Even Calculator & Profitability Scanner

  • Strategic Planning Templates

  • Resilient Entrepreneur Canvas

  • Growth Roadmap Generator

  • Loan-Readiness Checklist

  • Market Research & Competitive Data Tool

These tools make planning faster, more accurate, and more accessible—especially for first-time borrowers.