Lendistry and USBC: Partners in Building the USBC Innovation Campus and Expanding Capital Access for Black Entrepreneurs

Washington, D.C., February 18, 2026 — The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) and Lendistry today reaffirm their longstanding partnership and shared commitment to advancing economic equity for Black‑owned businesses. Together, the two organizations are transforming the former BET campus in Washington, D.C., into the USBC Innovation Campus and are continuing to expand access to capital for entrepreneurs nationwide.

 

The USBC Innovation Campus is more than just a real‑estate acquisition; it is the culmination of a vision nurtured by USBC and made possible through strategic partnerships. USBC President and CEO Ron Busby Sr. stated, “Community Development Financial Institutions like Lendistry are far more than lenders; they are true partners in progress. Alongside City First Bank, Lendistry’s commitment and belief in our mission helped acquire the USBC Innovation Campus possible, and for that, we are deeply grateful. Their work ensures that Black entrepreneurs have access to the capital, guidance, and resources they need at every stage of their journey from launching an idea to scaling a thriving enterprise. By meeting business owners where they are and investing in their long-term success, institutions like Lendistry are helping to close historic capital gaps and build generational wealth in our communities.”

 

Transforming a Historic Landmark Into an Innovation Hub

The USBC Innovation Campus will house multiple facilities that empower entrepreneurs and creators. Plans include:

 

Training & Development: Best‑in‑class entrepreneurial training centers, learning labs, and workshops to equip business owners with the knowledge, skills, and strategies for long‑term success.

 

Business Resources, Incubators & Accelerators: Comprehensive support for startups, small businesses, and chambers of commerce through incubator and accelerator programs, technical assistance, and resources.

 

Commercial Growth & Flexible Workspaces: Office leasing options for small businesses and Fortune 500 companies, co‑working spaces for solopreneurs and emerging enterprises, and warehousing and expansion opportunities.

 

Media & Content Creation: State‑of‑the‑art podcast and production studios to amplify creative voices; the campus will also become the permanent home of NABOB and USBC Media’s production house.

 

Dining & Community: A full‑service restaurant, cigar lounge, and lifestyle spaces for networking and collaboration.

 

A Partnership Rooted in Access to Capital

USBC’s relationship with Lendistry predates the acquisition. In early 2024, they launched the USBC Lending Portal, a digital platform powered by Lendistry that offers loans from $25,000 to $5 million with extended terms and competitive rates. The portal is designed to level the playing field for minority, women, and veteran‑owned businesses, aligning with one of USBC’s core pillars: facilitating access to capital. Busby celebrated the portal as a pivotal development, saying it “advances equitable financial access and empowers businesses toward greater success and sustainability.”

 

Lendistry’s collaboration with USBC on the portal illustrates the financial institution’s broader mission. As the nation’s largest minority‑led Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Lendistry provides economic opportunities and growth for small‑business owners and their underserved communities. The organization combines technology, responsible lending, and socially driven investment capital to close capital gaps.

 

Lendistry’s CEO Everett Sands emphasized that mission when reflecting on the USBC Innovation Campus partnership: “Lendistry is proud to stand alongside the U.S. Black Chambers in this landmark acquisition that honors our past while investing in our future. Financing projects like the USBC Innovation Campus is central to our mission — providing access to capital that turns vision into tangible impact. This campus will empower entrepreneurs, creators, and small‑business owners to build legacy, drive innovation, and strengthen the economic fabric of our communities for generations to come.”

 

Supporting Black Businesses Beyond the Campus

The partnership between USBC and Lendistry extends far beyond this one project. As the USBC Innovation Campus prepares to open its doors in Spring 2026, both organizations stress that the story is not about a building, but about a movement. The campus will serve as a beacon of innovation, economic development, and cultural empowerment, while the USBC‑Lendistry partnership continues to expand access to capital and resources nationwide. This collaborative approach exemplifies how mission‑driven finance can catalyze generational wealth and ensure that Black businesses have the funding and support needed to thrive.

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About USBC:

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support a network of African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. Learn more at usblackchambers.org.

 

About Lendistry:

Lendistry (lendistry.com) is a tech-enabled small business lender, grant administrator for private and public agencies, and a trusted resource for undercapitalized entrepreneurs, including people of color, veterans, and those in rural communities. Founded in 2015, Lendistry has used technology and community partnerships to deploy over $10 billion in its first ten years. Lendistry was recently named the winner of the LA Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Leadership Award, BankRate’s Best Minority-Led Business Lender, and one of American Banker’s Best Places to Work in Fintech. Lendistry has both Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Development Entity (CDE) certifications, is an SBA Preferred Lender, and is now the #2 non-bank SBA 7(a) lender in the country. In collaboration with The Center by Lendistry, a nonprofit business education organization, Lendistry helps business owners achieve their goals and prepare to scale.