Recognition Signals Growth Partners Arizona's Strengthening Balance Sheet, Scalable Capital Model, and Statewide Economic Impact

PHOENIX, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / February 20, 2026 / Growth Partners Arizona (GPAZ), a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving businesses statewide, today announced that Executive Director Andre T. Whittington has been recognized as an Economic Development Unsung Hero by the Governor's Office of African American Affairs. The recognition reflects GPAZ's disciplined institutional growth, strengthened balance sheet, and expanded access to responsible capital across Arizona.

Since assuming leadership in late 2022, Whittington has guided GPAZ through a deliberate statewide expansion strategy, strengthening internal systems, reinforcing financial sustainability, and broadening capital deployment while maintaining prudent risk management. Under this leadership, GPAZ has evolved from a regional lender into a statewide economic development institution with a clear operational philosophy grounded in Capacity, Capital, and Community.

Over the past three years, GPAZ has more than doubled its balance sheet, achieving over 130% growth in total assets and 270% growth in net assets. During this period, the organization expanded its lending portfolio by 152% and increased its debt capital stack by 124%, unlocking additional lending capacity while reinforcing long-term financial durability. Importantly, this growth has occurred while maintaining full compliance with CDFI Minimum Prudent Standards and strong portfolio performance.

Today, GPAZ deploys capital across 80% of Arizona counties and has exceeded $1.3 million in direct lending annually for two consecutive years. This expansion has been accompanied by strengthened underwriting practices, enhanced borrower support systems, and operational investments designed to support sustainable scale. These outcomes translate into stronger small businesses, preserved jobs, and expanded economic mobility in communities historically excluded from traditional financial systems.

"These outcomes reflect more than growth," said Whittington. "They reflect disciplined institution-building. Sustainable economic development requires more than deploying capital. It requires resilient systems, aligned partnerships, and responsible stewardship of resources that allow opportunity to expand without compromising stability."

Founded in 2012, Growth Partners Arizona provides accessible, fair, and responsible loans alongside integrated financial education and capital readiness programming. Through its C3 Framework, Capacity, Capital, and Community, GPAZ aligns financial education, flexible lending, and ecosystem partnerships into a cohesive model designed for long-term resilience and statewide impact.

These achievements reflect alignment between staff leadership and board governance, anchored in a shared commitment to mission alignment and institutional durability.

Looking ahead, GPAZ will continue expanding its Financial Literacy Office hubs, scaling digital financial education, and deepening partnerships with mission-aligned investors in alignment with its capital capacity, operational infrastructure, and long-term sustainability strategy.

"This recognition affirms that when institutions are built with clarity, discipline, and shared governance, they can expand access to opportunity responsibly and at scale," Whittington added.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Andre T. Whittington
Executive Director
info@growthpartnersaz.org
602-478-5568

SOURCE: Growth Partners Arizona