BCFA Subsidiary Certified as a Community Development Entity

The Butler County Finance Authority  is pleased to announce that its affiliated organization, the Southwest Ohio Improvement Fund, has been officially certified as a Community Development Entity (CDE) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund).

This federal certification recognizes the Southwest Ohio Improvement Fund’s mission and structure as an organization accountable to low-income communities. As a certified CDE, the Fund is now eligible to apply for programs such as the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program, which can attract significant private investment into projects that stimulate job creation and economic growth in underserved areas.

“Our certification as a Community Development Entity represents a major milestone in our efforts to bring transformative investment to Butler County,” said Joshua A. Smith, President & CEO of the Butler County Finance Authority. “This designation provides us with an additional tool to channel capital into projects that support community revitalization, workforce opportunities, and long-term resilience.”

The CDFI Fund determined that the organization’s service area will focus on Butler County, Ohio, ensuring that investment and financing activities directly benefit local residents, businesses, and neighborhoods.

Certification as a CDE requires that an organization:
Demonstrate a primary mission of serving or providing investment capital for low-income communities.
Maintain accountability to low-income communities through board or advisory representation.
Operate as a legal entity with transparent governance.

The certification is effective immediately and remains valid indefinitely, subject to ongoing compliance with federal requirements.

“This designation positions us to leverage new federal tools and private investment to strengthen downtown revitalization efforts, support small businesses, and expand economic opportunity across Butler County,” Smith added.

Contact:
Joshua A. Smith
President & CEO
Butler County Finance Authority
(513) 889-8046 | Email Address