CNote

CNote

Financial Services

Oakland, CA 6,407 followers

CNote's mission is to build a more inclusive economy for all through financial innovation

About us

CNote gives corporations, institutions and individuals a simple, effective way to invest in under-resourced communities at scale. The women-led technology platform deploys corporate cash into loan funds and insured deposit products at impact-driven community financial institutions that advance economic equality, racial justice, gender equity and climate change initiatives. Corporate leaders including Apple, Mastercard, Patagonia, PayPal and Netflix use CNote’s platform to advance their diversity, equity and inclusion goals by authentically supporting low-income communities and communities of color. They earn returns comparable to what conventional products yield—while providing essential capital to minority depository institutions (MDIs), community development financial institutions (CDFIs), low-income designated (LID) credit unions and other impact finance organizations. Individuals can also invest through the platform to support an economy that works for everyone. CNote founders Catherine Berman, CEO, and Yuliya Tarasava, COO, launched CNote in 2016 with a mission to close the wealth gap through financial innovation. Based in Oakland, California, CNote is a Certified B Corporation and is GIIRS rated.

Industry
Financial Services
Company size
11-50 employees
Headquarters
Oakland, CA
Type
Privately Held
Founded
2016
Specialties
impact investing, financial inclusion, investing, foundations, donor advised funds, esg, sri, social impact, community investing, and CDFIs

Locations

Employees at CNote

Updates

  • View organization page for CNote, graphic

    6,407 followers

    In today’s ever-changing financial landscape, individual investors actively seek ways to shield their portfolios from market volatility. With mounting concerns about inflation and geopolitical instability, the factors fueling market uncertainty are multifaceted and far-reaching. While traditional investment strategies may expose investors to these shifts, sustainable investment funds confidently offer a robust alternative that delivers both stability and growth potential. Read full article: Why Sustainable Investing Can Offer a Safe Haven in a Volatile Market https://bit.ly/4hdWs9o

    CNote | Why Sustainable Investing Can Offer a Safe Haven in a Volatile Market

    CNote | Why Sustainable Investing Can Offer a Safe Haven in a Volatile Market

    mycnote.com

  • View organization page for CNote, graphic

    6,407 followers

    🛫 CNote is heading to #AFP2024 next week! CNote is proud to be at the forefront of conversations about the role corporate treasury can play in sustainability. Our CEO, Catherine Berman, will be moderating an important session on Decarbonizing Cash: Treasurers are Key in Cutting Climate Emissions on Tuesday. Together with Block and Xylem, Cat will explore how insured deposits can drive carbon reduction efforts, sharing real-world case studies and actionable insights for treasurers looking to make a meaningful impact. Join us to learn more about how treasury teams can align cash management strategies with sustainability goals! #AFP2024 #CNoteAtAFP #SustainableFinance #ImpactInvesting #TreasuryInnovation #ClimateAction

  • View organization page for CNote, graphic

    6,407 followers

    In 2012, Jeff Trudeau, a seasoned concrete truck operator, saw a growing environmental crisis within the industry he knew so well. Every day, concrete trucks across New England faced a major problem: the improper disposal of washout water. This water, laced with concrete particles and possessing a dangerously high pH, posed a significant environmental threat, its acidic nature comparable to drain cleaner. The potential harm to local waterways and ecosystems was alarming. However, few in the industry seemed to recognize this looming danger—except for Jeff. Read article here: https://bit.ly/4eHEURa

    CNote | The Story of Jeff Trudeau and Concrete Washout Solutions

    CNote | The Story of Jeff Trudeau and Concrete Washout Solutions

    mycnote.com

  • View organization page for CNote, graphic

    6,407 followers

    As we witness the devastating effects of extreme weather events—from the unexpected flooding in North Carolina to the looming threat of Hurricane Milton turning into a Category 5 storm—one thing is clear: no community is truly safe from the impacts of climate change. It’s a humbling reminder that in an era where storms are stronger, floods are more sudden, and recovery is more challenging, we are all connected by the need to rebuild. But amid this uncertainty, there is hope. Time and again, CDFIs rise as financial first responders, stepping in when communities are hit hardest. They help ensure that homes are rebuilt, small businesses get back on their feet, and lives are restored. The dedication of these institutions is an inspiring testament to the power of community-focused finance. At CNote, we’ve seen firsthand how CDFIs help communities weather these literal and figurative storms. Whether it's helping small businesses stay afloat or providing the critical capital needed for families to rebuild their homes, CDFIs have always been there to offer a lifeline. As we brace for Hurricane Milton’s potential landfall and reflect on the ongoing recovery efforts in North Carolina, our commitment remains steadfast. We stand with the CDFI community; Launch Credit Union, Self-Help Credit Union, Optus Bank, and many more, working to amplify their stories and connect them with the capital they need to continue their vital work. These challenges brought on by climate change are daunting, but through collaboration, we can support the recovery and resilience of our most vulnerable communities. Together, let’s work toward not just responding to these disasters, but addressing the deeper issue at hand—climate change and the communities it impacts. #climatechange #disasterrelief #CDFIs #communityrebuilding #impactinvesting #socialimpact #sustainability #hurricanemilton #northcarolina

  • View organization page for CNote, graphic

    6,407 followers

    Thanks so much for the support and shoutout Alexis Knygavko 💸

    View profile for Alexis Knygavko 💸, graphic

    An empowered woman aligns her impact with the companies she invests in—I'll show you how | Founder @ She The Investor | Startup Advisor & Angel Investor | Digital nomad across the globe (5+ countries this year) 🪂

    What if I told you that investing isn’t just about choosing a company—it’s about the entire ecosystem that supports its success? We tend to focus on a company’s products, values, and potential for growth. But behind every thriving business is something we don’t always talk about—debt. And it’s not the bad guy here. Debt is what gives companies the breathing room to grow, scale, and innovate without giving up control or compromising their mission. Here’s where you come in: You can actually be part of this ecosystem by supporting the lenders that help businesses thrive. And you don’t need to be a big-time investor to make an impact. Check this out: Worthy Financial, Inc.: You lend to small, purpose-driven businesses that align with your values, earning a steady 7% APY. It’s a win-win—you're growing your portfolio while helping meaningful businesses grow. Honeycomb Credit: This lets you invest in local businesses—like your favorite ethical coffee shop or sustainable boutique. You can earn 5%-12% returns, all while supporting businesses you believe in. CNote: With this platform, you invest in women-led, minority-owned, and community-driven businesses. Not only do you earn 2.75%-4%, but your money fuels initiatives that make a real difference in society. Prosper Marketplace: Want to diversify? You can lend directly to individuals for personal loans, earning 3.5%-11%. You’re helping real people meet their financial goals while growing your own wealth. So, investing isn’t just about the company itself—it’s about the entire system that makes its success possible. You can support businesses in ways that align with your values and your financial goals. ----- 💸 Want to dive deeper into DEBT, the ECOSYSTEM PLAYER? Check out my Substack post about this: https://buff.ly/4ez9rAr

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  • View organization page for CNote, graphic

    6,407 followers

    Corporate treasurers play a vital role in managing a company’s cash holdings, ensuring that deposits are secure, accessible, and positioned to generate returns. In today’s economic landscape, the need for secure, impact-aligned deposit strategies is more pressing than ever. Treasurers often face the challenge of balancing capital preservation, liquidity, and return—while also fulfilling corporate mandates related to sustainability and impact. Read article here: https://bit.ly/3YcZxPo

    CNote | How Corporate Treasurers Can Approach Cash Management Solutions

    CNote | How Corporate Treasurers Can Approach Cash Management Solutions

    mycnote.com

  • View organization page for CNote, graphic

    6,407 followers

    💡 Clean Energy Credit Union is breaking down barriers to clean energy with affordable financing for solar, EVs, and home improvements. As Nicole Burford, VP of Market Development and Sustainability, says: “People have more power than they think” when it comes to aligning their money with their values. With over $250M financed in green projects since 2017, they’re empowering individuals across the US to make impactful, sustainable choices. Learn how they're making clean energy accessible to all. 🌱 Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gmn6wRSt #SustainableFinance #CleanEnergy #ImpactInvesting #CommunityFinance

    CNote | Meet Clean Energy Credit Union, The Member-Owned Cooperative Making It Easier For Everyone To Access Affordable Green Lending

    CNote | Meet Clean Energy Credit Union, The Member-Owned Cooperative Making It Easier For Everyone To Access Affordable Green Lending

    mycnote.com

  • View organization page for CNote, graphic

    6,407 followers

    In today’s world, more and more people want to grow their money while also making a positive impact. CNote is a platform that makes it easy for clients to align their financial goals with their values by offering seamless financial products through two primary categories: fixed-income investments and cash management solutions. But how does CNote help clients put their values where their dollars are? Let’s dive into the details. Read more about how CNote makes it easy for clients to align their financial goals with their values: https://bit.ly/4ep0GZX

    CNote | What’s CNote: Where Your Financial Goals Meet Your Values

    CNote | What’s CNote: Where Your Financial Goals Meet Your Values

    mycnote.com

  • View organization page for CNote, graphic

    6,407 followers

    🎉 Congratulations to CNote's CDFI partners! 🎉 We are thrilled to share that 53 of CNote’s CDFI partners have been awarded over $63 million from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) in their 2024 CDFI Program grant awards (highlighted in the comments below)! These funds will help drive critical initiatives across the country, from healthy food financing to affordable housing and more. Together, we’re making a significant impact in communities that need it most. Thank you for your partnership and commitment to creating lasting change through community finance. #ImpactInvesting #CommunityFinance #CDFI #SocialImpact #Congrats #TogetherWeGrow

    CDFI Program

    CDFI Program

    cdfifund.gov

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