Geraldine Okwuonu, ParmD, dreamed of owning a pharmacy rather than working for others, and when the opportunity to launch NuPathways RX in New Jersey arose, she needed financing fast. As a new, small business, traditional banks weren’t a viable path: “No matter how unique you are, it’s really hard to find financing from a bank as a new small business.”

Okwuonu submitted her RFP on the Bridge platform, which allowed her to broadcast her financing needs efficiently. Within the platform, she connected with the NCRC Community Development Fund, a mission-aligned CDFI that understood her vision. She said, “It was really easy, really simple. Not like the traditional bank process I was raised to expect.” Through Bridge, she gained access to a $100,000 term loan without the frustration and manual outreach that traditional banking required, saving time and retaining control of her business growth.

With financing secured, NuPathwaysRX officially launched and continues to serve its local community. “The portal gave me hope… It opened a huge door for me,” Okwuonu reflected.

Today, she runs her pharmacy empowered and confident, backed by products and capital that support both her business and mission.