Christine Desan
Leo Gottlieb Professor of Law
Access to capital shapes opportunity, but small businesses and entrepreneurs have long faced barriers accessing financing from commercial banks. Notably, business owners of color, women entrepreneurs, and small-scale farmers face some of the greatest challenges. Local governments may also struggle to access long-term, affordable financing due to declining credit ratings, restrictive state laws, and bond market volatility. Professor Desan will work with community stakeholders, local financial institutions, and government leaders to explore sustainable state-based financing strategies aimed at closing these credit gaps outside the commercial banking system.