lending for evanston and northwestern development (lend)

Lending for Evanston and Northwestern Development (LEND) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization managed by students at Northwestern University. Its mission is to foster local economic development and empower entrepreneurs by providing access to capital and support that they may not be able to secure through traditional financial institutions. LEND offers low-interest loans of up to $10,000 and provides free business development services, including consulting on marketing, finance, and operations, to small business owners in Evanston. The organization was founded to bridge the gap between Northwestern University and the surrounding community, creating tangible economic impact and offering students hands-on experience in social impact and finance.