CDFI Small Business Loan Helps San Francisco Construction Company Build Sustainable Roof
Client: Pierre Middleton-Baez
Client Location: San Francisco, CA
CDFI: Pacific Community Ventures
CDFI Service Area: Oakland, California
Financing provided to small business for sustainable construction
Born and raised in San Francisco as a third-generation native, Pierre Middleton-Baez always felt a pull towards building and craftsmanship. His path led him to construction, where he enrolled at City Build Academy, earning his General Contracting license, and later joined the Plumbing Pipe Fitters.
In an unexpected encounter with a fellow construction graduate, Pierre was introduced through a mutual friend to Billy Gao who shared his passion and entrepreneurial spirit to bid for and win meaningful projects. Together they co-founded New Found Growth Corporation (NFGC), a new majority General Contractor based in San Francisco. Specializing in a comprehensive array of construction services, including plumbing, pipe fitting, HVAC solutions, and carpentry, NFGC has extensive experience in successfully executing commercial, residential, and industrial construction projects.
While Pierre’s ambition and drive have propelled the company forward, building a powerful reputation in the construction industry has presented unique challenges. Navigating the complexities of the construction world, Pierre’s business has faced many challenges, from union politics to the competitive world of bidding.
“The biggest challenge in winning bids is that you never know what the other company is offering,” he explains. “It’s a guessing game, and on top of that, there’s the stress of financing—covering payroll and expenses before payments come through.”
CDFIs Provide Non-Traditional Financing and Business Development to Small Businesses
Pierre first heard about Pacific Community Ventures (PCV) through Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services while working on a commercial roofing project that involved a significant transition from metal roofing to a more sustainable material. Traditional financing options had felt daunting and inflexible, leaving Pierre feeling frustrated. PCV provided the necessary funding through its Climate Justice Mobilization Fund and was there every step of the way, offering a smooth, detail-oriented underwriting process.
PCV launched the Climate Justice Mobilization Fund to offer restorative capital loans at affordable rates and comprehensive business advising to small businesses in the climate economy. This fund empowers underinvested businesses to contribute significantly to climate action, ensuring that climate economy jobs are sustainable and resilient, and it’s aligned with PCV’s commitment to advancing good jobs for economic mobility.
Pierre shares, “With Merriwether & Williams’ guidance, the funding provided from PCV was used to sustain payroll and operations until the NFGC project was completed.”
Thanks to the combined partnership and funding, Pierre has successfully completed the roofing project and is already planning for future jobs that will require similar support. Now, he’s excited to explore PCV’s Business Advising services to further solidify his business’s foundation.
CDFIs Empower Small Businesses to Thrive
PCV, in partnership with organizations like Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), is driving meaningful change by empowering small businesses to embrace sustainability and help American communities bring down energy costs and withstand the effects of severe weather. Through climate-focused resources, affordable lending, and hands-on support, PCV helps entrepreneurs bring sustainable and climate-centered projects to life. They’re building a future where business success goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.
For entrepreneurs like Pierre Middleton-Baez, partnerships like PCV’s are invaluable and go beyond financial support, empowering business owners to navigate complex industry challenges and transform obstacles into opportunities. With a profound commitment to the San Francisco community and a vision for advancing sustainable construction, NFGC is establishing a legacy of stability, progress, and positive community impact.
To learn more about how OFN’s network of CDFIs prioritize small businesses, visit our small business page.
To read other stories about thriving small businesses funded by CDFIs, visit our impact stories page.
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