This Black History Month, we’d like to celebrate the growing number of black-owned businesses in the United States.

Our focus is on customized commercial real estate loans. This includes construction loans, bridge loans and hospitality loans. We also help niche industries, such as cannabis and renewable energy. AVANA Capital is dedicated to helping business owners discover the financing method that is right for their business.

Many of our customers are entrepreneurs who started the same way my brother and I did. They are immigrants who have a clear vision and a strong belief in the American dream that anyone can succeed, but they need financial support,” said Sundip Patel, CEO and co-founder of AVANA.

Throughout his career, Patel has earned a reputation as an innovative leader in the investing and financing industries. With his passion for making financial services and products more accessible to underrepresented communities, he has grown AVANA Companies to include unique financial platforms that reach diverse people around the globe.

The past few years have seen institutional investors increasingly aware of the benefits – both to their finances and to their reputations -- of putting more of their money into projects that meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.

The situation in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian crisis that has forced civilians to flee their homes or take refuge in bomb shelters and subway stations throughout the country. As the world watches on TVs and smartphones, it's a natural thought to want to help in some way.