RTPark Community Impact Fund Earns Prestigious International Gold Award

RTPark Community Impact Fund Earns Prestigious International Gold Award for  Innovative Financing. The CIF's VI LEAP Fund Recognized for Advancing Equitable Access  to Capital and Strengthening Small Businesses Across the U.S. Virgin Islands 

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — October 26, 2026 — The RTPark Community Impact  Fund (CIF) has earned international recognition for its innovative approach to community  financing and economic development, receiving the 2026 Gold Excellence in Economic  Development Award for Innovative Financing from the International Economic Development  Council (IEDC). The award recognizes the CIF's VI LEAP Fund and its groundbreaking approach  to expanding access to affordable financing for underserved businesses and entrepreneurs  throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

The prestigious recognition places the CIF among leading economic development initiatives  recognized internationally for developing creative financing solutions that strengthen local  economies, support entrepreneurship, and advance economic opportunity. 

The award will be formally accepted during the IEDC Annual Conference in New Orleans,  Louisiana, October 25–28, 2026, where economic development professionals and organizations  from around the world will gather to celebrate outstanding achievements in the field. 

A Financing Model Built for the Virgin Islands. Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit  organization, the RTPark Community Impact Fund was created to address a longstanding  challenge facing Virgin Islands entrepreneurs and community organizations including limited  access to affordable, flexible financing. 

Through the VI LEAP Fund, the CIF provides access to capital and technical assistance designed  to help local businesses launch, stabilize, expand, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient  Virgin Islands economy. 

Unlike conventional lending models, CIF's approach recognizes the unique economic conditions  of island communities, including seasonal business cycles, limited financing options, and the  barriers that often prevent promising entrepreneurs from accessing traditional capital. 

“VI LEAP was built on a simple belief: strong local businesses build strong communities,” said  Patricia T. Morris, Ph.D., Executive Director of CIF. “This award recognizes a financing model  tailored to the realities of small-island economies and local entrepreneurs underserved by  traditional lending systems. We remain committed to expanding equitable access to capital across  the Virgin Islands.”

The Gold Award also recognizes the CIF's innovative Crucian Christmas Festival Microloan  Program, developed in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism's Division of  Festivals. The program provides small businesses and festival vendors with financing to purchase  inventory, secure equipment, manage operating expenses, and prepare for increased consumer  demand during the holiday festival season. 

By connecting financing directly to local economic activity, the initiative demonstrates how  targeted lending programs can help small businesses capitalize on opportunities that might  otherwise remain out of reach. 

Building an Inclusive and Resilient Economic Future. For CIF, the international recognition  represents an important milestone in its broader mission to strengthen the Territory's community  development financing infrastructure. 

As CIF advances its efforts toward certification as a Community Development Financial  Institution (CDFI), the award underscores the importance of establishing locally responsive  financial institutions capable of directing capital to businesses and communities historically  underserved by traditional financing systems. 

CIF's work extends beyond lending. Through partnerships, business development resources, and  technical assistance, the organization seeks to equip entrepreneurs with the financial tools,  knowledge, and support necessary to build sustainable enterprises. 

The organization's long-term vision is to help create an economic environment where  entrepreneurs across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John have more equitable opportunities to  access capital, grow their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to community prosperity. 

Part of a Historic International Recognition for RTPark. The CIF's Gold Award is one of six  2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards earned by the University of the Virgin Islands  Research and Technology Park (RTPark), marking the largest number of IEDC awards the  organization has received in a single year. 

In addition to CIF's recognition for Innovative Financing, RTPark received two additional Gold  Awards for Economic Equity and Inclusion through its STEM Enrichment Program and Best Use  of Federal Resources through the RTPark Solar Farm Project and SPARK Initiative. 

RTPark also received two Silver Awards recognizing its STEM Enrichment Program and digital  platform, along with a Bronze Award for Startup Battle VI. 

Together, these honors demonstrate the growing national and international recognition of Virgin  Islands-led approaches to economic diversification, entrepreneurship, education, infrastructure  resilience, and community development.2 

As CIF's anchor partner, RTPark continues to play an important role in supporting the Fund's  mission and strengthening the Territory's entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

For additional information about the program and how to apply, visit www.cifvi.org or contact the  Community Impact Fund at (340) 249-0720. 

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About the RTPark Community Impact Fund. Established in 2021 by the University of the  Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park (RTPark), the Community Impact Fund is a  501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to driving economic growth, community development,  and financial empowerment throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

As an emerging Community Development Financial Institution, the CIF works to address barriers  to capital by providing accessible financial products and services that support underserved  entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community-based organizations. Through its lending  programs, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships, the CIF is building a foundation for a  more inclusive, diversified, and resilient Virgin Islands economy.  

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