Capital That Builds Memphis Beyond Lending
RCC is not just a lender. We are a community development fund manager that helps deploy capital more strategically across entrepreneurs, emerging developers, and neighborhood corridors. Our model pairs staged capital, technical assistance, and strong partnerships to create better business outcomes and stronger community impact.
❖ Who We Are
A Community Development Finance Platform for Memphis
River City Capital (RCC) is a U.S. Treasury–certified CDFI and community development finance platform based in Memphis. Since 2010, as an affiliate of Community LIFT, RCC has focused on closing the capital gap in underserved communities by designing and deploying capital strategies that support long-term growth.
River City Capital partners with banks, municipalities, foundations, and ecosystem organizations seeking a stronger way to deploy capital in Memphis. As a community development fund manager, RCC helps align capital, technical assistance, and local strategy so resources move where they can do the most good — with greater discipline, reduced risk, and stronger long-term outcomes.
By combining proof-of-performance lending, staged capital deployment, and partnership-driven strategy, RCC helps communities grow more responsibly and sustainably over time.
Mission-Driven Lending
Flexible capital for underserved entrepreneurs
Neighborhood Focus
Investing in Memphis corridors and communities
Technical Assistance
Business support beyond just the loan
Community Anchored
Rooted in Memphis, powered by partnerships
❖ What We Do
We Provide Capital & Resources to Grow Memphis Businesses
Capital Ladder (Staged Capital)
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Structured funding that supports businesses from startup to scale
Strategic Ecosystem Partnerships
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We deploy capital into high-impact neighborhoods and sectors
Community Development Fund Management
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We connect businesses with financial, technical, and community resources
Proof-of-Performance Lending
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We evaluate real business potential and traction — not just credit scores
Our Impact in Numbers
2.7 m
Active Loan Portfolio
68
Businesses Supported
96+
Jobs Created & Saved
95+
Technical Assistance Hours
$814 K → $1.1 M
Loan Growth (FY23 → FY24)
$1.2 M+
FY25 Production
80% Black Female-led Businesses
Case Studies: Memphis Tire Recyclers, Jasper Day Spa • Partners: EDGE, Epicenter, Pathway Lending • Led by President Ron Brooks & Advisory Board
" Without River City Capital, The Dream Of Opening Muggin’ Coffeehouse Would Still Be A Dream. The People At River City Took The Time To Hear, See, And Guide Our Vision To A Reality. "
— Ken Olds, Principal, Muggin’ Coffeehouse
❖ RCC In The News
Stories & Insights From The Field
❖ Loan Production by Neighborhood
Investing in Home-Grown Memphis Businesses
Through River City Capital's mission to accelerate shared prosperity, we are proud to invest in homegrown, community-based, minority-owned businesses across Memphis neighborhoods.
River City Capital Investment by Industry
Food Service businesses account for 27% of our loan portfolio.
● Food Service 27.3% ● Health & Wellness13.6% ● Nonprofit 6.8% ● Personal Care 15.9% ● Professional Services 22.7% ● Retail 2.3% ● Other 9.1%
Why We Exist
Closing the Capital Gap in Memphis
Traditional banks often overlook entrepreneurs in underserved communities — tighter credit requirements, rising interest rates, and limited flexibility leave many qualified business owners without options.
River City Capital exists to change that. As a U.S. Treasury-certified CDFI, we combine the rigor of institutional finance with the flexibility and mission focus that underserved entrepreneurs deserve.
◇ Combat Predatory Lending
We fight back against factoring banks, online lenders, and cash-for-title lenders with reasonable, transparent rates.
◇ Grow Underserved Communities
We invest in previously disinvested neighborhoods — turning empty storefronts into thriving local businesses.
◇ Advance Shared Prosperity
Our mission is to ensure economic opportunity reaches every corner of Memphis and Shelby County.
Luther T. Mercer
CEO, Community LIFT & River City Capital Investment
“RCC has more flexible lending policies than traditional banks, so we are often able to look beyond the credit of borrowers and really work to support businesses to revitalize and create stronger communities.”
Ron Brooks
President, River City Capital Investment
“Our customers, supporters, and investors personify the progression of our mission, together we will continue to share the story of how we are creating community around building up small business in previously disinvested areas of our city.”
Leatriece Franklin
Owner, LF Mobile LifeSaving Courses and the Skrub Kafe Network
“When I was seeking loan funding for my business I found it a challenge to navigate the process with traditional lenders with rising interest rates and tighter credit requirements. River City Capital not only provided us with the loan but also their support partners!”
Courtney Todd
Owner, Always Moving Transportation, LLC
As I've been working diligently with my team to grow our company, having capital partners like River City Capital has been a game changer.
BJ Chester-Tamayo
Owner, Alcenia's
Thank you River City Capital for believing in this little girl from Meridian, MS.
❖ Client Stories ❖
Voices from Memphis
❖ Who We Partner With ❖
A Coalition of Community Investors
Banking Partners
Banks invest in RCC to meet CRA goals, expand underserved markets, and drive community impact.
Government & Treasury
Certified by the U.S. Treasury and supported by programs like LendTN to bring capital into Memphis.
National Foundations
Foundations partner with RCC to fund high-impact projects in underserved communities.
Is Your Bank a CRA Partner?
Investing in River City Capital is a qualifying CRA activity. Let's talk about how your institution can make an impact.
❖ How Our Model Works ❖
Capital + Resources = Sustained Growth
We go beyond simply being another lender. Our model pairs accessible capital with business education and community investment to create lasting change.
01
Identify Need
Entrepreneurs in underserved communities seek accessible capital
02
Flexible Underwriting
We evaluate businesses beyond credit scores and metrics
03
Deploy Capital
We deploy funding with guidance into local communities
❖ Our Supporters & Partners ❖
Trusted by Leading Institutions
Would You Like to Help River City Capital Do More?
Consider a gift donation to help River City Capital's mission to provide capital and resources to businesses in underserved and disinvested areas in Memphis.
