COURSE REGISTRATION

May 7-21, 2025

Virtual Course

The Fundamentals of the Opportunity Finance Industry course is designed for practitioners who are interested in expanding their knowledge of the basics of the opportunity finance industry. The opportunity finance industry provides financing and financial services to low-income, low-wealth, and other disadvantaged people and communities.

This three-week virtual course is offered by the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire and Opportunity Finance Network.

Class meets virtually on Wednesdays - May 7, 14, and 21 from 1:00-2:30pm ET.

Course pre-work is required the week prior to the first class and due by May 6th.

Please note: Due to the high demand for course enrollment, this course will  focused on CDFI institution particpants. There are some spaces for non-CDFI institutions and others may join the waitlist and will be notified and accepted if space becomes available.

The Fundamentals of the Opportunity Finance Industry course summary curriculum is shown below:

Module 1: History, Context, and Current Status of the CDFI Field

• Context, history of industry, and why CDFIs are needed
• Where CDFIs fit within financial markets
• Current status of the field: players, CDFI types, and size and scope of industry 
• CDFI models and performance

Module 2: Financial Analysis of CDFIs and CDFI Loans

• Organizational and operational basics
• Business models and capitalization strategies
• Evaluating CDFIs using a CAMEL analysis (Capital, Asset Quality, Management Earnings, and Liquidity)
• Loan Underwriting for CDFIs
• CDFI growth framework and sustainability and growth strategies

Module 3: Impact Measurement and Public Policy

• Loan Policies, Procedures and Guidelines
• Impact Measurement and Evaluation
• Public Policy - Key Issues Facing the Field

Registration & Payment Deadline: May 6, 2025

Course Pricing

Course fee is $550 per student. 

The course cost includes course tuition, online course materials, and weekly live virtual classes. Please visit the Fundamentals course website for details.

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