Bridgeway Event to Highlight Available Capital, Resources

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Bridgeway Capital has expanded its footprint in the Mahoning Valley, and the community will have an opportunity to learn more about the capital and resources the company has available for small businesses, nonprofits and real estate development. 

Bridgeway will offer an opportunity to meet with Angelo LoCastro, Youngstown/Warren office director, and his team while enjoying drinks and “BBQ-themed small bites” from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at Charlie Staples BBQ and Pitt Boss, 372 W Rayen Ave.

LoCastro, of Youngstown, said he is passionate about bringing capital and support resources to underserved communities and making lending accessible for those who have been denied social and economic opportunities. He sees Bridgeway’s mission-driven lending and programs as an opportunity to build capacity, invest capital, grow businesses and develop underserved areas to help revitalize Youngstown and Warren.

“I want to see all neighborhoods in Youngstown and Warren, and the surrounding areas, be equitable and thriving,” LoCastro said. “I believe Bridgeway’s mission-driven lending and programs can help people build successful businesses and develop vibrant communities. I look forward to truly helping people realize their dreams here in the community I was born in, raised in and call home.”

Since Bridgeway began serving the area in 2021, the organization has lent $2.8 million to entrepreneurs and nonprofits, the company said in a news release.

Bridgeway’s first loan in the area was to Inspiring Minds to renovate its building and expand its programming. 

“When you are a nonprofit seeking financing, you can sometimes be considered a high risk,” said Deryck Toles, founder of Inspiring Minds. “Bridgeway actually understood how we work.”

Bridgeway credits its relationships with local changemakers, such as Toles, and community partners, including The Wean Foundation, for helping its “opportunity for impact continue to grow.”

In addition to lending, Bridgeway offers a variety of business-building programs that connect its loan applicants and entrepreneurs with industry experts and business consultants in strategy, finance, legal and marketing. One-on-one coaching and cohort-based accelerator programs give participants access to resources at all stages of business growth.

Bridgeway partnered with The Intentional Development Group to launch MOBI Youngstown-Warren, a cohort-based program that provides comprehensive support for emerging small businesses through education, coaching and business-building services. The six-month program started in May and supports 14 entrepreneurs in the area as they close gaps in business fundamentals to achieve operational excellence and growth.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.