provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands (CFI), in partnership with Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and a dedicated group of community investors, continues to strengthen the economic resilience of Sanibel and Captiva through the Accelerate Small Business Loan Program.
Established in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Accelerate is a $1.2 million small business recovery initiative designed to provide flexible capital to eligible island businesses as they rebuild, adapt, and thrive. The program reflects a shared commitment to preserving the local businesses that are essential to the fabric of the island community. A revolving loan fund has been established to ensure the program can continue well into the future.
To date, the program has deployed more than $810,000 in low-interest loans to support nine local businesses. These investments have helped preserve jobs, sustain essential services, and support the businesses that contribute to the unique character and vitality of Sanibel and Captiva.
“Small businesses are critical to the strength and character of our island community,” said Doug Congress, Chair of the Accelerate Investment Advisory Committee and Vice Chair of the Charitable Foundation of the Islands.
“Through Accelerate, we have been able to provide meaningful support to local business owners as they navigate recovery and position themselves for long-term success. The deployment of more than $810,000 in loans reflects both the resilience of our business community and the power of collaborative investment,” Congress said.
CFI also extends its sincere appreciation to Sanibel Captiva Community Bank and in particular Senior Vice President Commercial Loan Officer & Portfolio Manager Rudi Hamer for their extraordinary partnership in making the Accelerate program possible. The Bank has generously provided its expertise, underwriting, loan servicing, and administrative support entirely in-kind, ensuring that the program’s resources remain focused on supporting local businesses.
“At Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, we believe that strong local businesses are essential to a thriving community,” said Kyle DeCicco, President and CEO of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. “We are honored to partner with the Charitable Foundation of the Islands and the Accelerate investors to help provide access to capital for businesses that have demonstrated remarkable perseverance and commitment to our island community. Supporting their continued success is an investment in the future of Sanibel and Captiva.”
Businesses interested in applying should email Accelerate@sancapcfi.org and include a phone number to request an application. Following a pre-screening call, qualified applicants will receive instructions for submitting a secure online application and supporting documentation.
Applications are reviewed through a multi-step process involving the Accelerate Investment Advisory Committee, investor representatives, and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. All parties reserve the right to approve or deny applications.
For more information about the Accelerate Small Business Loan Program, call 239-322-3818 and select option 3 for Small Business Inquiries, email Accelerate@sancapcfi.org, or click here.
About the Charitable Foundation of the Islands
The Charitable Foundation of the Islands enhances quality of life on Sanibel and Captiva through strategic philanthropy and community leadership. By supporting initiatives that address critical local needs, CFI plays a key role in fostering a strong, connected, and resilient community.
About Sanibel Captiva Community Bank
Founded in 2003, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank has nine locations open throughout Lee County. On Fort Myers Beach, the bank is operating a temporary office open on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while its permanent full-service branch is under development.
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank is nationally ranked as a top performing community bank by S&P Global Market Intelligence and is consistently rated a 4- to 5-star institution by Bauer Financial, a trusted independent bank rating firm. With more than $1 billion in total assets, the bank is well-capitalized and generates one of the highest returns on equity of all Florida banks. The bank employs more than 120 employees, and more than 60% are current shareholders. Since 2003, the bank has contributed well over $5 million to over 400 local, charitable causes and employees volunteer close to 1,000 hours annually.
Sanibel Captiva Community Bank’s team members provide customized individual and business banking services and specialize in residential and commercial lending. The bank offers personal and business checking, residential and commercial lending services, instant issue debit cards and a full array of digital banking products and services, including mobile banking apps, Card Hub, online bill pay, Zelle®, Positive Pay and ACH Manager. To learn more, visit sancapbank.com.
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