About Us

Our Mission

To unlock access to credit for refugees, immigrants, and all those seeking to build better lives.

Our Vision

A fair financial system through which people realize their potential and communities prosper.

What is IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO)?

IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to expanding access to fair and responsible credit for refugees, immigrants, and low-income families who are often left out of the traditional financial system.

Unlike traditional lenders that rely on rigid credit scores, CEO takes a holistic and relational approach to lending, working closely with borrowers and community partners to ensure financial success. CEO’s lending model helps people build credit, achieve financial stability, and access opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.

What does CEO do?

CEO provides fair, responsible, and flexible loans that help people cover essential expenses, establish credit histories, and move toward long-term financial stability. Loans support a range of needs, such as auto purchases, work-related expenses, and emergencies.

Importantly, CEO partners with trusted community organizations to make loans accessible to underserved populations. Borrowers also receive financial education to help them understand and manage their credit. By combining affordable credit with education and partnerships, CEO is reshaping the financial landscape for people who are traditionally excluded from it.

Who does CEO serve?

CEO is committed to breaking down barriers to financial inclusion, ensuring that borrowers aren’t left behind due to systemic inequities.

• Refugees and immigrants who need to establish a financial history in the U.S.
• Low-income families who have difficulty accessing fair and responsible credit.
• Individuals who lack traditional credit histories and are often denied loans from banks.