Pamela Stewart is a trailblazer in community development finance who is transforming the economic landscape for Black entrepreneurs. As President of the Black Business Investment Corporation (BBIC), Pamela brings a wealth of experience, a mission-driven mindset, and a commitment to breaking down systemic barriers for underserved communities. Her leadership is not only helping Black-owned businesses thrive but also empowering the next generation of women leaders to drive meaningful change.
BBIC has been a pillar of support for Black-owned businesses in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast for over 36 years. Originally established to help Black businesses become creditworthy borrowers through a loan guarantee program, BBIC has evolved into a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) providing direct loans, management assistance, and entrepreneurial training. The organization has offered loan guarantees ranging from 10% to 90%, serving as a crucial credit mitigation tool to improve access to capital for Black-owned businesses. With a steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth, BBIC creates pathways for Black entrepreneurs to access the capital and resources they need to scale and succeed.
Prior to joining BBIC in 2021, Pamela’s leadership philosophy was shaped by a defining moment in her career when she had to sunset an emerging CDFI after a decade of operations due to insufficient operational support. “I realized then that no matter how great our loan products were, if we didn’t understand how to scale and grow the operation, success would be out of reach,” she reflects. This experience shaped her into the transformational leader she is today—one who fosters an open, transparent, and mission-driven culture where her team is empowered to make an impact—after stepping into the role of President in April 2023.
Women-led CDFIs often face similar challenges as women entrepreneurs with accessing the same level of capital and resources as their male-led counterparts. Pamela tackles these challenges by enhancing BBIC’s profile through strategic partnerships and a relentless pursuit of industry best practices, all while leveraging her membership with the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs by participating in capacity-building programs like the Women-Led Initiative, Total Community Lending, and CDFI Certification Readiness Accelerator to further strengthen BBIC’s mission.
Under her leadership, 50% of loans disbursed and 78% of development services are provided to women-owned businesses. In 2024, BBIC launched the Phoenix Co-Lab, a dynamic initiative specifically designed to support women business owners. This program fosters networking, provides educational resources and mentorship, encourages collaboration, and promotes holistic well-being to empower women to thrive in their businesses. “The Phoenix Co-Lab is a space where women can rise, just like a phoenix, and achieve their highest potential,” Pamela says.
Pamela Stewart standing with Phoenix Co-Lab participants
Michelle Obama, out of many women, stands out as a guiding influence for Pamela. She often returns to one of Michelle’s quotes as a source of motivation: “The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work hard for them.”
Pamela hopes to leave a lasting legacy of opportunity for women in the CDFI space. She offers guidance to the next generation of women leaders, drawing inspiration from the words of The Alliance’s leadership: “Remain steadfast and focus on empowerment, resilience, and impact.”
For Pamela, Women’s History Month serves as an opportunity to honor the contributions and achievements of women throughout history, particularly Black women whose stories often go untold. Through her work at BBIC and her unwavering dedication to economic justice, Pamela Stewart is ensuring that Black women entrepreneurs not only have a seat at the table but are also equipped to lead and transform their communities.
