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Governor Bryan Announces $3.6M Grant to Launch VI Leap Fund and Expand Access to Capital in the USVI - Government of the United States Virgin Islands Governor Bryan Announces $3.6M Grant to Launch VI Leap Fund and Expand Access to Capital in the USVI - Government of the United States Virgin Islands Government of the United States Virgin Islands Home Governor Albert Bryan Jr Pressroom Executive Orders The Cabinet Government of the United States Virgin Islands Home Governor Albert Bryan Jr Pressroom Executive Orders The Cabinet © 2026 Government of the United States Virgin Islands Governor Bryan Announces $3.6M Grant to Launch VI Leap Fund and Expand Access to Capital in the USVI Search Latest Comments No comments to show. August 4 CHRISTIANSTED, ST. CROIX – Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is proud to announce that the RTPark Community Impact Fund (CIF), a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has received a $3.6 million grant to strengthen its infrastructure and launch the transformative VI Leap Fund. Catalytic funding delivers essential financial support to help businesses launch innovative ideas and projects. The VI LEAP Fund addresses a core Vision 2040 priority—removing longstanding barriers to capital access for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and underserved communities. This 20-year economic strategy was developed under the Bryan-Roach administration. The strategy specifically identifies the creation of a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) as vital for the territory’s future. “We can now create a robust CDFI presence, even as all 50 states and several U.S. territories benefit from such institutions. This is not just a Vision 2040 accomplishment—it is a win for the territory that opens up a cadre of financial and economic opportunities available only through a certified CDFI,” said Governor Bryan. Aminah Saleem, Board Chair of the RTPARK Community Impact Fund, Inc. (CIF), is enthusiastic about the potential of offering funding coupled with technical assistance, including financial literacy training. According to Saleem, starting in the fall, the launch of the VI Leap Fund will be a monumental step forward for community development, empowerment, and resilience in the U.S. Virgin Islands. “We can now directly address systemic challenges that have stifled growth for local businesses and communities. By building a loan portfolio, the fund also lays the groundwork to become a Certified Community Development Financial Institution through the U.S. Treasury Department’s CDFI Fund.” Eric Sonnier, Executive Director of the UVI Research and Technology Park, explained the importance of building a strong foundation that supports the CIF and VI Leap’s CDFI fund. “In 2021, the RTPark took the first step toward forming a CDFI by establishing the RTPark Community Impact Fund Corporation (CIF) as an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) and essential partner. CDFIs cannot be managed by a government agency; hence the need to create a non-profit organization. Since 2022, through this partnership, the CIF has managed the VI Catalyst Revolving Loan Fund—a $5 million initiative created by VI Legislature Act 8464. This agreement has provided the CIF with financial loan experience, a loan portfolio, and a strong pipeline; all major factors in receiving this new grant.” To fulfill the vision of becoming the territory’s leading CDFI, driving sustainable growth and empowering entrepreneurs, the program will roll out in three phases, built on these core pillars: · Loan Program: Flexible financing for local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profits · Development Services: Technical assistance, financial literacy, and capacity building · Community Partnerships: Strategic collaborations to expand impact and reach In the coming months, the RTPark Community Impact Fund will provide more information about the program to the public. You can contact the RTPark Community Impact Fund at info@cifvi.org . About RTPark Community Impact Fund: The RTPark Community Impact Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to driving inclusive economic growth in the U.S. Virgin Islands through innovative, mission-driven capital solutions. ### TAGS No tags CATEGORIES Uncategorized Previous Next Comments are closed © 2026 Government of the United States Virgin Islands.