Ponce Bank blog

Transforming Dreams into Reality: A Ponce Bank Customer's Success Story

Ponce Bank — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:10:55 GMT

Yudelka Carrera is the owner of Events By Yudy. Before owning her business, she was working for another catering company that shut down and left Yudy and her team wondering what to do next. They picked up the pieces and started their own business, Events By Yudy. Yudy did not understand much about running a small business until she attended the Ponce Bank Small Business Bootcamp. After the bootcamp, she felt confident to run and grow her business while partnering with Ponce Bank as her new and trusted Bank.

From Vision to Reality: How CDFIs and MDIs Fund Their Important Efforts by Independent Banker

Ponce Bank — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:07:49 GMT

From Vision to Reality: How CDFIs and MDIs Fund Their Important Efforts by Independent Banker

Minority-owned banks are a lifeline to their communities—but their needs often outstrip deposits. From partnering with other banks, receiving ECIP funds and even working with the NFL, these MDIs are securing the capital and resources to LIFT UP their communities.

Proud to be included in this article about CDFIs and MDIs in Independent Banker.

It can be a vicious circle: Minority depository institutions (MDIs) need capital to lend to their communities, but those communities sometimes can’t make the deposits necessary to build up the bank’s capital and then expand its capacity.

“Eighty percent of our branches are in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods,” says Carlos P. Naudon, president and CEO of Ponce Bank in the Bronx, N.Y. “Those communities cannot fund enough deposits to make the branches profitable and give us funds to lend out. We have to have alternative sources of funding.”

Ponce Bank, founded 63 years ago by Puerto Rican immigrants, is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Naudon is proud of the role the $2.8 billion-asset bank, its branches and five loan production offices play in its communities but is keenly aware of how capital constraints sometimes impede the bank’s vision.

This is not a new problem for MDIs and may also reflect systemic factors. “There’s been a real historical issue of the inability of MDIs to gain access to Tier 1 capital,” says John Lewis, CEO and president of $372 million-asset The Harbor Bank in Baltimore.

Read the article by Judith Sears in full here.

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, February 2022

Making an impact on your community!

Ponce Bank — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:45:00 GMT

There are countless ways to uplift our communities. At Ponce, we empower our neighbors to thrive through accessible banking services, financial education, and community-building initiatives that inspire dreams and foster vibrant futures. We are dedicated to demonstrating that community banking is a powerful engine for social equity. This commitment transcends values; it’s about creating opportunities for prosperity for all—our shareholders, customers, neighbors, and friends.

‍

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

Ponce Bank — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 01:45:00 GMT

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of cultural celebration and pride! It's a time to enjoy music, delicious food, and dance to the rhythm of our heritage. It's about honoring our rich history and the incredible contributions of Hispanic and Latino individuals. We asked some Ponce Bank employees what this time means to them. Here's what they had to say:

‍

Hispanic Heritage Month brings pride, joy, and gratefulness to me. Proud to be Latino. Joy in seeing what we Latinos have accomplished. Grateful for the opportunities this great country has presented to me.
- Carlos Naudon, President & CEO

“During Hispanic Heritage Month, I get uplifted as I hear more stories about Hispanic contributions that have influenced our markets, lives and the world. It is a time to make sure we stop and acknowledge the impact we have as a people. It makes me proud to be part of a Hispanic owned Minority Depository Institution that aims at closing the generational wealth gap of so many immigrants and minorities!”
- Luis G Gonzalez Jr. , Executive Vice President | Chief Operating Officer

“For me, it is not only the culture, the passion and the tenacity. It's the massive influence and history that Hispanic and Latinx people have made. I am honored that Ponce celebrates this and empowers our voices.”
---------
“Para mí, no es solo la cultura, la pasión y la tenacidad. Es la gran influencia e historia que han hecho los hispanos y los latinos. Me siento honrado que Ponce celebre esto y empodere nuestras. voces.”
- Madeline V. Marquez, Executive Vice President, Chief External Affairs Officer

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of deep pride for me as a Latina, especially in a leadership role within the retail industry. It’s a celebration of our vibrant culture, resilience, and the many contributions we bring to the workforce. This month reminds me of the responsibility I carry to lead by example, while embracing and sharing the richness of our culture with those around me.”
- Nanette Urena, Vice President | Retail Banking Officer

Let's continue celebrating and sharing our love for our vibrant and diverse community!

Ponce Bank Small Business Bootcamp: The Graduates!

Ponce Bank — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 13:45:00 GMT

Bootcamp News!

On Thursday, June 6th, we celebrated 85 small business owners and entrepreneurs who completed the Ponce Bank Small Business Bootcamp. The graduates exhibit dedication to expanding their knowledge and better equipping themselves with tools to handle unforeseen business challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities.

We're so proud of every graduate, including six winners who received awards to further their business, thanks to the generous support of Fiserv's Back2Business program!

Meet the PBSBBC Winners!

Winners of Grants provided by Fiserve
‍

Winners: Bronx Cohort

1st place $10,000 Award Winner
Jennifer Silvestre, Owner of Nasir + Idie Kids
Follow on Instagram
‍

2nd place $7,500 Award Winner
Melissa Groneveldt, Owner of Yummy Tummy

‍3rd place $5,000 Award Winner

Saraciea Fennell, Owner of The Bronx is Reading
Follow on Instagram

Winners: Man/NJ Cohort

1st place $10,000 Award Winner
Wioletta Sudol, Owner of The Helper Bears, LLC
Follow on Instagram

2nd place-$7,500 Award Winner
Emely Martinez, Owner of Roxanna

3rd place $5,000 Award Winner
Chere WealthStorm, Owner of WealthStorm Consults

Interested in products that many small business owners and entrepreneurs find helpful?
‍ Fill out this form and a Ponce Banker will reach out to you directly!

Ponce Bank Celebrates Black History Month

Ponce Bank — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 13:45:00 GMT

As we begin Black History Month, Ponce Bank is proud to continue its tradition of honoring Black musicians by broadcasting their music on Ponce Radio. Celebrating the cultural impact of Black music within our communities and around the world brings us great joy, and we want to share that joy on our airwaves. From February 1 to February 29, all 13 Ponce Bank branches will feature Ponce's Black History Month Playlist. You'll see special graphics on the branch monitors and our social media channels. We hope the Ponce's Black History Month Playlist will inspire you.

Investing in our communities

Ponce Bank — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 04:15:00 GMT

Ponce Bank has a strong commitment to supporting the communities it serves.

In 2017, the bank launched the Ponce De Leon Foundation, which is a 501(c)3 charitable corporation with the aim of improving the quality of life in the communities within the 13 branch locations of Ponce Bank. Every year, the Ponce de Leon Foundation awards grants to local non-profit organizations that create a positive impact in the community. This year, the foundation is pleased to distribute $622,000 to the following deserving non-profit organizations.

It's heartwarming to see the joy and positivity these initiatives bring to communities, and we are proud to acknowledge and congratulate the recipients.

ACE Programs: $25,000 for the Expansion of Services for Low-Income, Independently Housed Individuals in Western Queens Project.

Act Now Foundation, Inc.: $16,000 for the Alzheimer’s Care Project.

ALD Alliance: $11,000 for the New York ALD Outreach Project.

Behind the Book: $20,000 for Strengthening Literacy in NYC Schools and Communities Program.

Bronx River Alliance, Inc: $25,000 for Youth Development through Experiential Bronx River Natural and Historical Education Program.

Center for Supportive Schools: $30,000 for Supporting Youth Development at the President Barack Obama Community School/PS 34 Program.

Creative Art Works: $15,000 for Public Art Youth Employment Programs.

Daniel’s Music Foundation: $20,000 for DMF Group Classes Program.

Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities, Inc: $25,000 for the Case Management Services for Odler Adults in Supportive Housing Program.

Family Legal Care: $20,000 for Family Law Education Program.

Fresh Youth Initiatives, Inc.: $25,000 for Middle School JOURNEYS: Mental Health and Wellness Program.

Girls Incorporated of New York City: $25,000 for the Project Accelerate.

Giving Alternative Learners Uplifting Opportunities Inc.: $25,000 for Therapeutic Horseback Riding Lesson Scholarships for Children and Youth with Disabilities Program.

Homecrest Community Services Inc.: $25,000 for the HCS Arts and Cultural Program

Leap, Inc. dba Brooklyn Workforce Innovations: $30,000 for Affordable Housing Career Training program.

Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service: $25,000 for the Expanded Case Management Services Program.

New York City Housing Partnership: $25,000 for the Homeownership Counseling and Education Program.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Brooklyn, CDC, Inc.: $25,000 for the Homeownership Preservation Initiative.

New Settlement: $25,000 for New Settlement Program for Girls and Young Women.

New York LGBT Network, Inc: $15,000 for the Safe Schools Initiative LGBT Anti-Bullying Program.

Nonprofit New York: $25,000 for the Strengthening Nonprofits in New York Program.

Part of the Solution (POTS): $25,000 for the ESOL Support Program.

Queens Community House: $30,000 for the Access for Young Women Program.

Restore: $25,000 for the Housing for Survivors of Trafficking Program.

South Bronx United: $25,000 for the SBU Employment Fellowship Program.

The HOPE Program: $25,000 for the Digital Literacy Training for Low-Income Jobseekers program.

Theatre for New Audience: $15,000 for the Theatre for a New Audience's 2023-2024 Arts in Education Programs.

Ponce Bank announces second cohort of All Hallows High School scholars

Ponce Bank — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:30:00 GMT

For Ponce, investing in our community means investing in our neighborhood youth.‍

All Hallows High School recently welcomed Ponce Bank’s Wanda Matos Taveras, director of Nonprofit Services and Santos Ruiz, retail cluster manager, to campus. The duo was there to announce its second year of the Ponce Bank Scholars at All Hallows High School.

“It is through funders like Ponce Bank that 100% of our students continue to be accepted to four-year colleges.”

The representatives from Ponce Bank toured the school and met with the five new Ponce Bank Scholars for the 2023-24 school year. The scholars were each awarded $1,000 in tuition assistance and are comprised of one sophomore, two juniors and one senior.

The new scholars are Quantel Pitts, Matthew Almeydas, Johnathan Velez, Axel Aquino and Matthew Agueda.

“Ponce Bank’s generous sponsorship of All Hallows students allows us to further enhance our academic setting and to continue to create an environment that is a safe, thoughtful and inspirational space in which to explore the joy of learning and academic achievement,” All Hallows High School’ President Ron Schutte said. “It is through funders like Ponce Bank that 100% of our students continue to be accepted to four-year colleges.”

Read The Bronx Time's full article here:
www.bxtimes.com/ponce-bank-scholars-all-hallows

“It is my honor to represent a community bank that delivers commercial excellence while always keeping a keen eye on promoting the educational enrichment of our youth here in the Bronx,” said Carlos Naudon, president and CEO of Ponce Bank. “The Ponce Bank Scholars at All Hallows enables us to continue to live our bank’s value-set by helping these young men in their pursuit of academic success.”

‍

Why I Choose Ponce Bank

Ponce Bank — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 03:00:00 GMT

At Ponce Bank we believe small businesses are the beating hearts of our community. Take a listen to a few of our customers share their #PonceLove, and how working with Ponce Bank is like two hearts beating as one!

Transforming Dreams into Reality: A Ponce Bank Customer's Success Story

Ponce Bank — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 01:45:00 GMT