East Texas Entrepreneurs to Benefit from $54K Grant from FHLB Dallas, Austin Bank and Woodforest National Bank

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TYLER, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 10, 2025--

In a notable boost to East Texas entrepreneurs, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), Austin Bank and Woodforest National Bank® have awarded $54,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funding to Greater Texas Community Capital Finance (GTCCF), doing business as Lending Avenue®. This funding, presented during a check ceremony today, will empower underserved entrepreneurs by supporting expanded access to affordable capital and financial education.

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Representatives from FHLB Dallas, Woodforest National Bank and Austin Bank celebrate $54,000 in Partnership Grant Program funds to Lending Avenue, which will support East Texas entrepreneurs.

“We are incredibly grateful for this partnership between FHLB Dallas, Austin Bank and Woodforest National Bank and their continued commitment to our mission,” said Lending Avenue’s Director of Marketing and Development, Kaitlyn Shultz. “This support allows us to expand our reach throughout East Texas and beyond to provide the tools and capital needed to help underserved small business owners and their businesses thrive.”

The FHLB Dallas PGP offers up to a 5:1 match of member contributions—up to $25,000 per FHLB Dallas member—to support community-based organizations involved in affordable housing or economic development activities that complement other FHLB Dallas community investment programs. The program is funded on an annual basis, and funds are distributed through participating FHLB Dallas members like Woodforest National Bank and Austin Bank.

“This grant is a collaborative investment in East Texas, fueling economic growth and strengthening the capacity of Lending Avenue to support local small businesses,” said Daniel Galindo, senior vice president, director of Community Development and Strategic Initiatives, Woodforest National Bank.

Jeff Austin III, Chairman of the Board, emphasized Austin Bank’s commitment to community investment.

“Austin Bank is dedicated to supporting our communities. We have a long-standing practice of funding businesses in Texas, and partnerships like this with FHLB Dallas and Lending Avenue align with our values and extend our legacy of service,” said Mr. Austin.

Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, recognized how focused investments in community-based organizations like Lending Avenue can generate ripple effects that benefit entire regions.

“When we support organizations that are deeply rooted in their communities, the impact goes far beyond a single grant. It creates a multiplier effect that is vital to the long-term economic resilience of the region,” Mr. Hettrick said.

About Austin Bank

Austin Bank, a community bank headquartered in Jacksonville, Texas, has assets in excess of $3 billion, with bank offices in 40 East Texas locations within 26 cities and 14 counties. Austin Bank is locally owned and operated by the Austin family who is celebrating 116 years of service in the Texas banking industry. For more information about Austin Bank, visit the bank’s website at www.austinbank.com.

About Woodforest National Bank

Celebrating over 45 years of community banking service, Woodforest National Bank has successfully stood among the strongest community banks in the nation, proudly offering outstanding customer service since 1980. Woodforest currently operates nearly 741 branches in 17 states across the United States and is an Outstanding CRA-rated institution. For more information about Woodforest National Bank, please visit www.woodforest.com.

About Lending Avenue ®

Lending Avenue is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and subsidiary of Greater Texas Capital Corporation. Lending Avenue advocates for our community by creating pathways for underserved entrepreneurs to launch, grow, and sustain their businesses. Lending Avenue® provides access to healthy and affordable capital, resources for financial literacy, entrepreneurial training, and other credit-building pathways. To learn more, visit https://lendingavenue.org/.

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $116.1 billion as of June 30, 2025, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.

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CONTACT: Corporate Communications

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

fhlb.com, (214) 441-8445

KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA TEXAS

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FINANCE BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PHILANTHROPY SMALL BUSINESS OTHER EDUCATION FUND RAISING FOUNDATION OTHER PHILANTHROPY EDUCATION

SOURCE: Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

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PUB: 09/10/2025 05:26 PM/DISC: 09/10/2025 05:25 PM

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