What Is An Aeris® Rating & Why Is It Important for Borrowers?

by Rachel Hazzard
March 4, 2025

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When searching for a lender, business owners should  make sure they’re working with a well-managed and financially stable institution. An Aeris® Rating can provide insight into the trustworthiness of a lending organization.

What is an Aeris® Rating?
Aeris® Ratings are independent financial assessments used to evaluate the performance of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These evaluations are conducted by Aeris, a top authority on the financial and impact performance of CDFIs and private impact loan funds since 2004. CDFIs are specialized lenders that provide affordable financial services to small businesses, nonprofits, and communities that have traditionally lacked access to capital. They can be banks, credit unions, loan funds, microloan funds, or venture capital providers, all with a mission to promote economic growth, job creation, and equal access to financial services.

Aeris evaluates CDFIs on:

  • Financial Strength & Performance – A lender’s financial stability and and long-term sustainability
  • Impact Performance – How effectively the lender is delivering measurable impact in the communities it serves.

Why Does an Aeris® Rating Matter When Choosing a Lender?
If you’re a small business owner or nonprofit looking for funding, an Aeris® Rating can help you identify an impactful, mission-driven lender. Here’s why it matters:

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1. Trust & Credibility

A lender with a strong Aeris Rating has been independently vetted for financial strength and trustworthy lending practices, so you can be confident your business is in good hands.

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2. Transparency

A good Aeris Rating ensures that the lender is accountable, follows industry best practices, and is committed to fair lending

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3. Risk Assessment

Knowing a lender’s rating helps you gauge their stability, reducing the risk of working with an institution that may not be able to support you long-term.

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4. Impact-Focused Lending

CDFIs are supposed to prioritize underserved communities and small businesses. An Aeris Rating provides insight into the impact a lender is actually making in the communities it serves.

Using Aeris® Ratings in Your Funding Search
When evaluating potential lenders, check their Aeris® Rating to help you make an informed decision about who to trust with your financing needs. Ratings should be prominently located on their websites. A high rating indicates a well-managed, stable institution with a strong commitment to community impact—an ideal financing partner for your small business or nonprofit. 

Looking for Funding?

If you’re searching for a reliable lender with a strong track record, PIDC Community Capital is a certified CDFI with a Three Star A+ Aeris rating. We finance growing businesses and nonprofits, which helps generate job growth, revitalize business corridors, and provide essential goods and services to low-income communities throughout Philadelphia. PIDC Community Capital is the only CDFI and Community Development Entity (CDE) exclusively focused on serving the needs of small businesses and communities within Philadelphia, so you can trust that we’ll be there to support you.

Financing You Can Trust

PIDC Community Capital provides financing and business support services to benefit communities and populations that have traditionally lacked access to capital. Discover how our tailored financial solutions can support your success

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