Tag: 3BL

by Lee Green, vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale

Most sustainability systems are designed with outputs in mind.

Scores, benchmarks, disclosures, reports.

But if you want to understand where things are actually working or breaking down, it’s often more useful to look one step earlier. Not at the data itself, but at the questions people ask when they’re trying to produce it.

Over the past couple of months, we’ve been looking more closely at anonymized user questions submitted through a support feature within HowToHigg, designed to help users navigate Higg Index guidance more effectively.

HowToHigg supports users across the full suite of Higg Index tools, which are built on Cascale’s methodologies and framework, with the tools themselves being exclusively available via Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform.

From a communications and engagement perspective, these questions are particularly useful. They don’t necessarily reflect the issues users encounter once inside the tools, or the detailed feedback captured through formal channels. But they do highlight where guidance, interpretation, and understanding may need to be strengthened, often before or alongside direct tool use.

Across more than 400 user questions, a number of consistent themes started to emerge. Taken together, they offer a useful lens into where users are seeking clarity, and where interpretation may begin to diverge.

A large share of questions focused on Higg FEM verification procedures. How to select Verification Bodies, what deadlines apply, how verifier rotation works, and the difference between self-assessment and verified scores. These are not edge cases. They sit at the core of how data becomes credible and comparable.

We also saw frequent questions around data classification and reporting methodology. How to distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous waste. How to classify water use. How energy sources align with GHG Protocol scopes. These are the kinds of decisions that seem small in isolation but have a direct impact on consistency when applied across thousands of facilities.

Another cluster of questions related to cadence, deadlines, and module access, including reporting timelines and purchasing requirements. Again, not complex in theory, but critical in practice when companies are managing reporting across multiple teams and regions.

Questions around scoring logic and weighting came up repeatedly as well. Whether Level 2 and Level 3 questions are scored. How sub-questions contribute to final scores. What happens when zero-tolerance issues are identified. These are the mechanics behind the numbers, and understanding them is key to interpreting results correctly.

Some questions also pointed to platform access and functionality, reinforcing the importance of close coordination between Cascale’s methodologies and guidance, and Worldly’s platform delivery.

It’s important to be clear about what this is, and what it isn’t.

These insights are not a substitute for the detailed feedback gathered through formal channels such as Zendesk, direct user engagement, or module-specific support. Those remain critical for identifying and resolving specific issues within the tools themselves.

What this layer of questions offers is something slightly different. An earlier view into how users approach Higg Index guidance, and where additional clarity may be needed before or alongside engaging directly with the tools.

As the primary guidance platform for the Higg Index, HowToHigg plays a critical role in shaping how methodologies are understood and applied. And in that context, the questions users ask are often the first indication of where interpretation may begin to diverge.

If we want consistent, comparable data, that layer matters.

Because even the most robust methodologies rely on consistent understanding in practice. And every unclear definition, every misinterpretation, and every point of confusion has the potential to show up downstream.

So the takeaway is a simple one.

Pay attention to the questions.

They don’t just reflect what users don’t know. They point to where we can make the system clearer, more accessible, and ultimately more consistent in how it’s applied.

Lee Green is vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale.

by Lee Green, vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale

Most sustainability systems are designed with outputs in mind.

Scores, benchmarks, disclosures, reports.

But if you want to understand where things are actually working or breaking down, it’s often more useful to look one step earlier. Not at the data itself, but at the questions people ask when they’re trying to produce it.

Over the past couple of months, we’ve been looking more closely at anonymized user questions submitted through a support feature within HowToHigg, designed to help users navigate Higg Index guidance more effectively.

HowToHigg supports users across the full suite of Higg Index tools, which are built on Cascale’s methodologies and framework, with the tools themselves being exclusively available via Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform.

From a communications and engagement perspective, these questions are particularly useful. They don’t necessarily reflect the issues users encounter once inside the tools, or the detailed feedback captured through formal channels. But they do highlight where guidance, interpretation, and understanding may need to be strengthened, often before or alongside direct tool use.

Across more than 400 user questions, a number of consistent themes started to emerge. Taken together, they offer a useful lens into where users are seeking clarity, and where interpretation may begin to diverge.

A large share of questions focused on Higg FEM verification procedures. How to select Verification Bodies, what deadlines apply, how verifier rotation works, and the difference between self-assessment and verified scores. These are not edge cases. They sit at the core of how data becomes credible and comparable.

We also saw frequent questions around data classification and reporting methodology. How to distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous waste. How to classify water use. How energy sources align with GHG Protocol scopes. These are the kinds of decisions that seem small in isolation but have a direct impact on consistency when applied across thousands of facilities.

Another cluster of questions related to cadence, deadlines, and module access, including reporting timelines and purchasing requirements. Again, not complex in theory, but critical in practice when companies are managing reporting across multiple teams and regions.

Questions around scoring logic and weighting came up repeatedly as well. Whether Level 2 and Level 3 questions are scored. How sub-questions contribute to final scores. What happens when zero-tolerance issues are identified. These are the mechanics behind the numbers, and understanding them is key to interpreting results correctly.

Some questions also pointed to platform access and functionality, reinforcing the importance of close coordination between Cascale’s methodologies and guidance, and Worldly’s platform delivery.

It’s important to be clear about what this is, and what it isn’t.

These insights are not a substitute for the detailed feedback gathered through formal channels such as Zendesk, direct user engagement, or module-specific support. Those remain critical for identifying and resolving specific issues within the tools themselves.

What this layer of questions offers is something slightly different. An earlier view into how users approach Higg Index guidance, and where additional clarity may be needed before or alongside engaging directly with the tools.

As the primary guidance platform for the Higg Index, HowToHigg plays a critical role in shaping how methodologies are understood and applied. And in that context, the questions users ask are often the first indication of where interpretation may begin to diverge.

If we want consistent, comparable data, that layer matters.

Because even the most robust methodologies rely on consistent understanding in practice. And every unclear definition, every misinterpretation, and every point of confusion has the potential to show up downstream.

So the takeaway is a simple one.

Pay attention to the questions.

They don’t just reflect what users don’t know. They point to where we can make the system clearer, more accessible, and ultimately more consistent in how it’s applied.

Lee Green is vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale.

by Lee Green, vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale

Most sustainability systems are designed with outputs in mind.

Scores, benchmarks, disclosures, reports.

But if you want to understand where things are actually working or breaking down, it’s often more useful to look one step earlier. Not at the data itself, but at the questions people ask when they’re trying to produce it.

Over the past couple of months, we’ve been looking more closely at anonymized user questions submitted through a support feature within HowToHigg, designed to help users navigate Higg Index guidance more effectively.

HowToHigg supports users across the full suite of Higg Index tools, which are built on Cascale’s methodologies and framework, with the tools themselves being exclusively available via Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform.

From a communications and engagement perspective, these questions are particularly useful. They don’t necessarily reflect the issues users encounter once inside the tools, or the detailed feedback captured through formal channels. But they do highlight where guidance, interpretation, and understanding may need to be strengthened, often before or alongside direct tool use.

Across more than 400 user questions, a number of consistent themes started to emerge. Taken together, they offer a useful lens into where users are seeking clarity, and where interpretation may begin to diverge.

A large share of questions focused on Higg FEM verification procedures. How to select Verification Bodies, what deadlines apply, how verifier rotation works, and the difference between self-assessment and verified scores. These are not edge cases. They sit at the core of how data becomes credible and comparable.

We also saw frequent questions around data classification and reporting methodology. How to distinguish between hazardous and non-hazardous waste. How to classify water use. How energy sources align with GHG Protocol scopes. These are the kinds of decisions that seem small in isolation but have a direct impact on consistency when applied across thousands of facilities.

Another cluster of questions related to cadence, deadlines, and module access, including reporting timelines and purchasing requirements. Again, not complex in theory, but critical in practice when companies are managing reporting across multiple teams and regions.

Questions around scoring logic and weighting came up repeatedly as well. Whether Level 2 and Level 3 questions are scored. How sub-questions contribute to final scores. What happens when zero-tolerance issues are identified. These are the mechanics behind the numbers, and understanding them is key to interpreting results correctly.

Some questions also pointed to platform access and functionality, reinforcing the importance of close coordination between Cascale’s methodologies and guidance, and Worldly’s platform delivery.

It’s important to be clear about what this is, and what it isn’t.

These insights are not a substitute for the detailed feedback gathered through formal channels such as Zendesk, direct user engagement, or module-specific support. Those remain critical for identifying and resolving specific issues within the tools themselves.

What this layer of questions offers is something slightly different. An earlier view into how users approach Higg Index guidance, and where additional clarity may be needed before or alongside engaging directly with the tools.

As the primary guidance platform for the Higg Index, HowToHigg plays a critical role in shaping how methodologies are understood and applied. And in that context, the questions users ask are often the first indication of where interpretation may begin to diverge.

If we want consistent, comparable data, that layer matters.

Because even the most robust methodologies rely on consistent understanding in practice. And every unclear definition, every misinterpretation, and every point of confusion has the potential to show up downstream.

So the takeaway is a simple one.

Pay attention to the questions.

They don’t just reflect what users don’t know. They point to where we can make the system clearer, more accessible, and ultimately more consistent in how it’s applied.

Lee Green is vice president of communications and marketing at Cascale.

At Tapestry, innovation is woven into how we think, work, and challenge ourselves to do better.

During the last few years, we’ve used that spirit to advance sustainability across our organization — not through one big idea or single initiative, but in thousands of decisions made every day by teams across brands, functions, and regions.

What follows is a look at how we’re harnessing innovation to advance sustainability across our business.

A Strategy For Reduction

When it comes to climate change, our overall strategy is to focus on reducing emissions.

This includes looking at materials, agriculture, and manufacturing, plus investing in carbon removals and advancing traceable data.

Our heightened focus on emissions reduction affects all parts of our operations and value chain, from sourcing and product to finance and operations.

As outlined in our FY2025 Corporate Responsibility Report, Tapestry’s Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduced 81% compared to our FY2022 baseline. We continue to advance toward our 2030 science-based target, driven primarily by ongoing investments in renewable energy across our own operations.

On-Site Efficiency

Within our physical locations, we are rethinking waste, energy use, and efficiency.

Take, for instance, Tapestry’s Las Vegas Fulfillment Center (LVFC), an 880,000 square foot facility sitting on about 15 acres of land. Facilities teams at LVFC tested new systems, piloted waste diversion models, and integrated several automated zero waste practices.

As a result, LVFC had a landfill diversion rate of 96% in 2025, meaning our facility reused, recycled, composted, and/or recovered 96% of waste.

That level of waste diversion in a 12-month period (along with a series of other requirements) earned our facility a Platinum-Level TRUE Zero Waste Certification, the highest level available. Next on the list, our Jacksonville, Fla. facility is pending for the Gold-level certification.

A Lightbulb Moment

In FY2025, we proudly announced that Tapestry achieved its goal of procuring 100% renewable electricity in our stores, offices, and fulfillment centers globally.

How did we do it? By building a portfolio of solutions, including a Collective Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (CVPPA) with the Fashion Pact in Spain, as well as a 15-year partnership with Pivot Energy, a community solar company in the United States.

The Pivot Energy partnership adapts renewable energy sourcing to fit our business. For instance, Tapestry supports a group of small solar projects that generate clean electricity in the United States. This long-term agreement allows us to leverage renewable energy without needing to own or install infrastructure at each location. It’s a more practical and scalable way to reduce emissions across a distributed footprint.

Looking ahead, we’ve set a new target of achieving 40% renewable energy within our supply chain by 2030.

To make it happen, our ESG team developed Renewable Electricity Sourcing Minimum Requirements and Guidelines for Tapestry’s suppliers and our own operations. The hope is to source reliable, credible, and impactful renewable energy. We’ll also continue to financially support solar panel rooftop assessments for strategic suppliers.

Ciao, Carbon

Tapestry has made its first purchase of carbon removals, accessing Climeworks’ most diversified carbon removal portfolio to date. The portfolio combines five high-quality carbon removal pathways, both engineered and nature-based, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, risk diversification, and long-term climate impact.

As these solutions evolve, we’re proud to be an early industry participant in accelerating carbon removal development.

Rethinking Design for Sustainability

At our New York City Hudson Yards HQ, design teams are imagining how discarded and overlooked materials can become the latest fashion trend.

Coach’s Fall 2026 runway show brought this thinking to life, with the majority of denim pieces crafted with post-consumer garments, showing the possibilities of circular design.

After almost three years of experimentation, the Coach Repurposed Capsule from February 2026 (a partnership with second-hand wholesale supplier, Bank & Vogue) proved we could produce new garments from post-consumer materials at a large enough scale to support a full capsule collection.

At kate spade new york, the brand has introduced environmentally preferred materials to over 50 handbag styles. From the iconic Sam Bag mini tote to the ON PURPOSE tote bag, designers have traded up to use 100% recycled nylon and 100% recycled polyester on certain components. The Dash Taxi Canvas Tote, in addition to being made with a 100% regenerative cotton body, also features a recycled polyester lining.

Seeing Real Impact

In 2026, Tapestry was named on USA Today’s list of America’s Climate Leaders, which highlights companies with strong progress in reducing emissions and advancing climate strategy.

We’re both proud of this recognition and motivated to go further.

Because if there’s one thing Tapestry is proving, it’s that with an innovation-led approach to sustainability, progress doesn’t come from one single breakthrough.

Instead it’s about leading with action and intentionality, and doing business in a way that’s better for people and the planet.

At Tapestry, innovation is woven into how we think, work, and challenge ourselves to do better.

During the last few years, we’ve used that spirit to advance sustainability across our organization — not through one big idea or single initiative, but in thousands of decisions made every day by teams across brands, functions, and regions.

What follows is a look at how we’re harnessing innovation to advance sustainability across our business.

A Strategy For Reduction

When it comes to climate change, our overall strategy is to focus on reducing emissions.

This includes looking at materials, agriculture, and manufacturing, plus investing in carbon removals and advancing traceable data.

Our heightened focus on emissions reduction affects all parts of our operations and value chain, from sourcing and product to finance and operations.

As outlined in our FY2025 Corporate Responsibility Report, Tapestry’s Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduced 81% compared to our FY2022 baseline. We continue to advance toward our 2030 science-based target, driven primarily by ongoing investments in renewable energy across our own operations.

On-Site Efficiency

Within our physical locations, we are rethinking waste, energy use, and efficiency.

Take, for instance, Tapestry’s Las Vegas Fulfillment Center (LVFC), an 880,000 square foot facility sitting on about 15 acres of land. Facilities teams at LVFC tested new systems, piloted waste diversion models, and integrated several automated zero waste practices.

As a result, LVFC had a landfill diversion rate of 96% in 2025, meaning our facility reused, recycled, composted, and/or recovered 96% of waste.

That level of waste diversion in a 12-month period (along with a series of other requirements) earned our facility a Platinum-Level TRUE Zero Waste Certification, the highest level available. Next on the list, our Jacksonville, Fla. facility is pending for the Gold-level certification.

A Lightbulb Moment

In FY2025, we proudly announced that Tapestry achieved its goal of procuring 100% renewable electricity in our stores, offices, and fulfillment centers globally.

How did we do it? By building a portfolio of solutions, including a Collective Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (CVPPA) with the Fashion Pact in Spain, as well as a 15-year partnership with Pivot Energy, a community solar company in the United States.

The Pivot Energy partnership adapts renewable energy sourcing to fit our business. For instance, Tapestry supports a group of small solar projects that generate clean electricity in the United States. This long-term agreement allows us to leverage renewable energy without needing to own or install infrastructure at each location. It’s a more practical and scalable way to reduce emissions across a distributed footprint.

Looking ahead, we’ve set a new target of achieving 40% renewable energy within our supply chain by 2030.

To make it happen, our ESG team developed Renewable Electricity Sourcing Minimum Requirements and Guidelines for Tapestry’s suppliers and our own operations. The hope is to source reliable, credible, and impactful renewable energy. We’ll also continue to financially support solar panel rooftop assessments for strategic suppliers.

Ciao, Carbon

Tapestry has made its first purchase of carbon removals, accessing Climeworks’ most diversified carbon removal portfolio to date. The portfolio combines five high-quality carbon removal pathways, both engineered and nature-based, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, risk diversification, and long-term climate impact.

As these solutions evolve, we’re proud to be an early industry participant in accelerating carbon removal development.

Rethinking Design for Sustainability

At our New York City Hudson Yards HQ, design teams are imagining how discarded and overlooked materials can become the latest fashion trend.

Coach’s Fall 2026 runway show brought this thinking to life, with the majority of denim pieces crafted with post-consumer garments, showing the possibilities of circular design.

After almost three years of experimentation, the Coach Repurposed Capsule from February 2026 (a partnership with second-hand wholesale supplier, Bank & Vogue) proved we could produce new garments from post-consumer materials at a large enough scale to support a full capsule collection.

At kate spade new york, the brand has introduced environmentally preferred materials to over 50 handbag styles. From the iconic Sam Bag mini tote to the ON PURPOSE tote bag, designers have traded up to use 100% recycled nylon and 100% recycled polyester on certain components. The Dash Taxi Canvas Tote, in addition to being made with a 100% regenerative cotton body, also features a recycled polyester lining.

Seeing Real Impact

In 2026, Tapestry was named on USA Today’s list of America’s Climate Leaders, which highlights companies with strong progress in reducing emissions and advancing climate strategy.

We’re both proud of this recognition and motivated to go further.

Because if there’s one thing Tapestry is proving, it’s that with an innovation-led approach to sustainability, progress doesn’t come from one single breakthrough.

Instead it’s about leading with action and intentionality, and doing business in a way that’s better for people and the planet.

At Tapestry, innovation is woven into how we think, work, and challenge ourselves to do better.

During the last few years, we’ve used that spirit to advance sustainability across our organization — not through one big idea or single initiative, but in thousands of decisions made every day by teams across brands, functions, and regions.

What follows is a look at how we’re harnessing innovation to advance sustainability across our business.

A Strategy For Reduction

When it comes to climate change, our overall strategy is to focus on reducing emissions.

This includes looking at materials, agriculture, and manufacturing, plus investing in carbon removals and advancing traceable data.

Our heightened focus on emissions reduction affects all parts of our operations and value chain, from sourcing and product to finance and operations.

As outlined in our FY2025 Corporate Responsibility Report, Tapestry’s Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduced 81% compared to our FY2022 baseline. We continue to advance toward our 2030 science-based target, driven primarily by ongoing investments in renewable energy across our own operations.

On-Site Efficiency

Within our physical locations, we are rethinking waste, energy use, and efficiency.

Take, for instance, Tapestry’s Las Vegas Fulfillment Center (LVFC), an 880,000 square foot facility sitting on about 15 acres of land. Facilities teams at LVFC tested new systems, piloted waste diversion models, and integrated several automated zero waste practices.

As a result, LVFC had a landfill diversion rate of 96% in 2025, meaning our facility reused, recycled, composted, and/or recovered 96% of waste.

That level of waste diversion in a 12-month period (along with a series of other requirements) earned our facility a Platinum-Level TRUE Zero Waste Certification, the highest level available. Next on the list, our Jacksonville, Fla. facility is pending for the Gold-level certification.

A Lightbulb Moment

In FY2025, we proudly announced that Tapestry achieved its goal of procuring 100% renewable electricity in our stores, offices, and fulfillment centers globally.

How did we do it? By building a portfolio of solutions, including a Collective Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (CVPPA) with the Fashion Pact in Spain, as well as a 15-year partnership with Pivot Energy, a community solar company in the United States.

The Pivot Energy partnership adapts renewable energy sourcing to fit our business. For instance, Tapestry supports a group of small solar projects that generate clean electricity in the United States. This long-term agreement allows us to leverage renewable energy without needing to own or install infrastructure at each location. It’s a more practical and scalable way to reduce emissions across a distributed footprint.

Looking ahead, we’ve set a new target of achieving 40% renewable energy within our supply chain by 2030.

To make it happen, our ESG team developed Renewable Electricity Sourcing Minimum Requirements and Guidelines for Tapestry’s suppliers and our own operations. The hope is to source reliable, credible, and impactful renewable energy. We’ll also continue to financially support solar panel rooftop assessments for strategic suppliers.

Ciao, Carbon

Tapestry has made its first purchase of carbon removals, accessing Climeworks’ most diversified carbon removal portfolio to date. The portfolio combines five high-quality carbon removal pathways, both engineered and nature-based, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, risk diversification, and long-term climate impact.

As these solutions evolve, we’re proud to be an early industry participant in accelerating carbon removal development.

Rethinking Design for Sustainability

At our New York City Hudson Yards HQ, design teams are imagining how discarded and overlooked materials can become the latest fashion trend.

Coach’s Fall 2026 runway show brought this thinking to life, with the majority of denim pieces crafted with post-consumer garments, showing the possibilities of circular design.

After almost three years of experimentation, the Coach Repurposed Capsule from February 2026 (a partnership with second-hand wholesale supplier, Bank & Vogue) proved we could produce new garments from post-consumer materials at a large enough scale to support a full capsule collection.

At kate spade new york, the brand has introduced environmentally preferred materials to over 50 handbag styles. From the iconic Sam Bag mini tote to the ON PURPOSE tote bag, designers have traded up to use 100% recycled nylon and 100% recycled polyester on certain components. The Dash Taxi Canvas Tote, in addition to being made with a 100% regenerative cotton body, also features a recycled polyester lining.

Seeing Real Impact

In 2026, Tapestry was named on USA Today’s list of America’s Climate Leaders, which highlights companies with strong progress in reducing emissions and advancing climate strategy.

We’re both proud of this recognition and motivated to go further.

Because if there’s one thing Tapestry is proving, it’s that with an innovation-led approach to sustainability, progress doesn’t come from one single breakthrough.

Instead it’s about leading with action and intentionality, and doing business in a way that’s better for people and the planet.

Entergy has reached an important milestone in our work to build a stronger electric grid. Our self-healing networks are now helping improve power reliability for more than 500,000 customers across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Self-healing networks use smart technology to detect problems on a power line and reroute electricity around the issue. This often happens in just seconds. When the electric system responds this quickly, fewer customers lose power and crews have more time to make safe repairs.

We began introducing this technology in early 2020. Since then, these self-healing networks have helped avoid thousands of customer interruptions and more than 50 million minutes of outages. These improvements are part of our long-term work to modernize the grid and reduce the number and length of outages our customers experience.

Today, we have nearly 400 self-healing networks in place. These networks include 1,483 reclosers and support 890 feeder circuits. Coverage continues to grow:

• Arkansas: 101,900 customers
• Louisiana: 256,223 customers
• Mississippi: 86,217 customers
• New Orleans: 42,507 customers
• Texas: 32,591 customers

About 25% of our 3,600 circuits now include self-healing technology. Our teams are studying ways to add more networks in the coming years.

Self-healing networks improve reliability year-round but are especially helpful during major weather events.

• During the January 2026 winter weather event, 19 automated transfers helped avoid more than 12,000 customer interruptions and 769,956 outage minutes.
• In 2025, 293 events avoided 188,792 customer interruptions and 24.3 million outage minutes.
• In 2024, 248 events avoided 167,569 customer interruptions and 13.4 million outage minutes.

These improvements reduce strain on our lineworker crews, improve restoration times and support a stronger, more resilient electric system for our customers.

The installation of self-healing networks is one part of our plan to build a smarter electric grid. We’re also strengthening poles and wires, upgrading substations, working closely with vegetation management and deploying tools that give operators better visibility into the electric system.

“Self-healing networks are helping us improve service for our customers and support our crews during storms,” said Taylor Edgens, director of grid technology. “This technology is an important part of our work to modernize the grid and increase reliability.”

This work requires seamless coordination across engineering, distribution operations, construction, vegetation management, grid technology, regulatory and many other teams. Their efforts help us deliver safer and more reliable service for the communities we serve.

View original content here.

By JANEL “JAYCEE” MILLER

Previously published by TAPinto Camden

^{Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen rattles off some results of the Buy Camden 1st initiative during a speech at Subaru of America’s headquarters on Wednesday. Photo Credit: Janel “Jaycee” Miller. Image courtesy of TAPinto Camden}

The city government has responded to the small-business sector’s call for assistance with tremendous results, Mayor Victor Carstarphen said during a speech to a room of business and organizational representatives at Subaru of America’s headquarters in Camden on Wednesday. 

Continue reading here.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., May 1, 2026 /3BL/ – U.S. entrepreneurs are facing a prolonged squeeze from high overhead costs and rising borrowing rates. DreamSpring, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, is responding with a new suite of loan products built around how small businesses actually operate, from flexible repayment structures to dedicated financing for the care economy.

Supported by a $500,000 grant from Wells Fargo, DreamSpring expanded its product suite to better meet growth-stage challenges and the needs of industries where demand is outpacing access to capital:

• DreamCare microloan and line of credit — dedicated financing for the care economy, supporting health professionals, childcare providers, eldercare facilities, and in-home assistance. Microloans are available up to $50,000 and lines of credit up to $100,000, with three months of interest-only repayment to give businesses time to establish revenue before full payments begin.
• Ready, Set, Grow! loan — built for startups and early-growth businesses, with a rate reduction for on-time repayment.
• Rate cap — DreamSpring has capped all loan interest rates at a maximum of 18.99%, with certain products starting as low as 7%.

By comparison, standard business credit cards often come with lower credit limits than small businesses need and can carry Annual Percentage Rates (APR) around 29%. Alternative online lenders charge even more and frequently impose prepayment penalties. This matters because rising costs remain the top financial challenge for small business owners, according to the Federal Reserve Banks’ 2026 Small Business Credit Survey.

“This investment enables DreamSpring the flexibility and resources to develop innovative products that help businesses grow,” says Kimelyn Harris, head of Business Growth Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. “Access to capital can be transformative for entrepreneurs, and today they need more options and more flexible forms of capital to meet their needs.”

This latest product suite is another chapter in a long-running partnership built on innovation. Wells Fargo and DreamSpring have developed a custom post-pandemic recovery loan for underserved entrepreneurs and joined forces on a national loan fund for veteran-owned businesses, putting capital in the hands of entrepreneurs who might otherwise go without. This time, the focus is on making that capital more affordable.

“Entrepreneurs are dealing with higher expenses everywhere they look, and when borrowing gets too expensive, it stifles their ability to operate and grow,” says Alice Rodriguez, Chair of the DreamSpring Board of Directors. “When CDFIs like DreamSpring cap rates and design loans that match the real-life cash flow of a small business, it lets entrepreneurs focus on their work rather than their debt.”

DreamSpring is one of the only CDFIs that offers revolving lines of credit, and unlike many online lenders, there’s never a prepayment penalty. DreamSpring also factors in professional licensure and credentials as part of its loan decisions, recognizing that a borrower’s expertise is itself an asset. For business owners like Aaron Gutierrez, that kind of flexibility makes a real difference.

“It gave me the freedom to focus on establishing and building the business, versus having to penny pinch or worry,” says Aaron Gutierrez, Owner of Albuquerque Construction & Concrete, about his DreamSpring line of credit. “It gave me the freedom to actually grow and move, and to remain afloat. Because if not, I probably wouldn’t have made it.”

For entrepreneurs navigating today’s economic pressures, getting the right capital at the right price can change the trajectory of a business. With the support of Wells Fargo, DreamSpring’s new products remove some of the most common obstacles standing between small business owners and growth. To explore DreamSpring’s full range of small business solutions, visit DreamSpring.org.

 

About DreamSpring

DreamSpring is a nonprofit Community Development organization and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lender dedicated to propelling individual and family economic mobility and community wealth-building by helping people start and grow small businesses. Founded in 1994, the organization provides rapid access to capital and customized wrap-around support to entrepreneurs and nonprofits in 27 states. To date, DreamSpring has issued more than 47,925 loans totaling over $582 million to small businesses that support an estimated 67,800 jobs. Learn more at DreamSpring.org.

For media inquiries, contact: 
Laura Marrich 
DreamSpring Senior Communications Specialist 
Lmarrich@dreamspring.org 
+1 505-456-0104

CLEVELAND, May 1, 2026 /3BL/ – Today, KeyBank announced the launch of Key4Entrepreneurs, a new complimentary program designed to support entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage of growth. The program provides access to financial education, expert guidance and meaningful business connections, with a focus on supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening the communities they serve.

Key4Entrepreneurs brings together certified advisors and unique national and local programming to deliver practical resources tailored to real‑world business challenges. Whether business owners are just getting started or preparing to scale, the program is designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and help them move forward with confidence.

A Mission Built to Engage, Educate, and Empower Entrepreneurs

Key4Entrepreneurs was created to support the small businesses that form the backbone of local economies. The mission is rooted in three core pillars:

• Engage business owners through curated networking opportunities that foster collaboration and community.
• Educate entrepreneurs with expert-led programming that builds financial knowledge, leadership capability, and operational efficiency.
• Empower small businesses with practical tools and personalized guidance to help them grow and thrive.

By bringing together expert guidance and hands-on programming, Key4Entrepreneurs helps business owners navigate day-to-day challenges while building the skills and confidence needed for long-term success.

How Business Owners Benefit from Key4Entrepreneurs

Business owners who join Key4Entrepreneurs gain access to a complimentary support network designed around the realities of running a small business. Members can receive direct guidance from certified advisors and relationship managers who provide personalized financial wellness guidance and cash flow conversations aimed at improving efficiency and decision-making. Additionally, the program offers exclusive access to workshops, expert-led discussions and interactive networking opportunities.

These experiences are intentionally designed to help entrepreneurs sharpen critical skills, expand professional networks and accelerate sustainable growth. By combining education, expert insight and community connection, Key4Entrepreneurs equips business owners with the confidence and clarity needed to move their businesses forward.

Upcoming Virtual Event

As part of the program launch, Key4Entrepreneurs will host a live virtual event designed to help entrepreneurs sharpen one of their most critical skills: storytelling.

Event Details:

• Title: Small Business Excellence: The Science of Storytelling
• Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
• Time: 12:00–1:30 PM ET
• Format: 90-minute interactive virtual workshop
• Registration Deadline: May 6, 2026

The session will be led by Nico Aguilar, CEO and Co‑Founder of Speeko, and Jen Litwin, Managing Director of Speeko. Together, they will guide participants through a dynamic, hands-on experience that combines narrative frameworks, real‑life examples, and live practice. Participants will leave with practical insights for communicating a powerful business value proposition.

Entrepreneurs interested in joining the program or attending upcoming events can learn more and enroll by visiting key.com/k4e. Questions and inquiries may be directed to k4e@keybank.com.

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ABOUT KEYCORP

KeyCorp’s roots trace back more than 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2026.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 950 branches and approximately 1,100 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Meg Lower
Regional Communications Manager
740-294-7041
meg_lower@keybank.com