Indiana's first Black-led loan fund
About Us
Equity1821 was founded in 2019 by a team of business, government, and philanthropic partners seeking to provide financial services to people and places underserved by traditional banks.
Our approach is driven by data and designed with input from the communities we exist to serve.
Committed to your journey
There are many paths to success.
Equity1821 will meet you on any of them.
At Equity1821, we know the paths to business sucess are as diverse and varied as the entrepreneurs who travel them. Whatever path you’re on, we’re here to help you take the next step. Want to hire additional staff? Expand to a new location? Purchase new equipment? Equity1821 can help! So, the only question you really need to answer is:
Where do you want to go from here?
Committed to our community
As a community-based lending institution, Equity1821 is driving development of an abundantly inclusive economy in central Indiana. We envision the Indianapolis area as home to a small business ecosystem in which businesses built by entrepreneurs from all backgrounds are formed, develop, compete, and thrive. Together with our clients and collaborators, Equity1821 is creating a stronger economy and stronger community – one entrepreneur at a time.
Committed to providing C.A.R.E.
Equity1821 is more than a financial institution – which means we’re focused on more than the bottom line. We provide small business owners and entrepreneurs with care that aligns with our values:
Capital for growth.
Assistance with the lending process.
Relationships to support the journey.
Experiences that make it easier to do business.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Robert Shegog
Chairman
Tony Mason
Vice-Chairman
E. Lois Thomas
Treasurer
Alice Watson
Secretary
Jeff Bennett
Willis Bright
Dr. Demetrius Glover
David Fredericks
Nick Bontregar
Staff
Charles Gilbert
Loan Officer
Our primary focus is to improve the Black experience and relationship with banks and create an inclusive economy where Black businesses form, develop, compete and thrive.