EarthWise offers no-collateral, low-interest home improvement loans for energy-efficient and home improvement projects, offering accessible financing options to homeowners across Arizona.
Tucson, AZ - October 9, 2024: As homeowners across Arizona face rising costs and seek ways to budget for sustainable home improvements, Groundswell Capital, Arizona’s first green bank, proudly introduces EarthWise, a new equitable lending program.
This innovative fund addresses the gap in home improvement financing, enabling families to invest in energy-efficient, water-saving, accessibility, and essential home upgrades.
While homeownership remains a key path to building generational wealth, unexpected expenses — such as replacing a roof or an HVAC system — can create financial hardship. A recent study by Bankrate (2023) showed that nearly 50% of homeowners have scaled back on home improvement projects due to inflation and higher home improvement loan costs. For many, critical projects like solar installations or roof replacements are financially out of reach, despite their potential to reduce long-term housing expenses.
EarthWise eliminates these barriers by offering no-collateral, no-home equity personal loans with competitive interest rates and no minimum credit score. Loan amounts range from $3,000 to $25,000, with fixed interest rates between 5% and 9.99% — significantly lower than the national average for home improvement financing or credit cards, which often exceed 20%. Special rates and programs are available for veterans, senior citizens, low-income households, individuals with disabilities, female head-of-households, and those with low credit scores, making EarthWise an inclusive, community-focused initiative.
“EarthWise is a multi-benefit community program. It provides access to capital beyond high-interest credit card or home equity financing for home improvement and energy-efficient projects. It offers rate discounts to homeowners who need them most, while opening new business opportunities for trusted contractors who have served Arizona residents well, ensuring that energy-efficient projects are financed to promote climate resilience,” said Mark McKenna, Director of Lending at Groundswell Capital.
Groundswell Capital’s EarthWise program not only provides affordable financing but ensures that all participating contractors are thoroughly vetted, enhancing consumer trust and ensuring project success. EarthWise-approved contractors are exempt from dealer fees, enabling them to pass on cost savings to borrowers while expanding their businesses by offering competitive financing options.
“We have already connected with several contractors in Arizona, including HVAC, roofing, and solar providers. They had insightful questions, and once answered, they were excited to offer this option to their customers,” said Diana Weisbrod, Business Loan Officer at Groundswell Capital.
EarthWise is more than just a financing solution — it is a tool that empowers families to create safer, energy-efficient homes, reduce monthly bills, and invest in a sustainable future. Homeowners no longer need to choose between urgent repairs and eco-friendly upgrades.
With lower interest rates and tailored solutions, Earthwise ensures projects such as solar panel installations, water systems, roof replacements, and HVAC improvements are now accessible to all, regardless of credit score or income.
About Groundswell Capital
Groundswell Capital is a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to inclusive economic growth for underserved communities and a member of the U.S. Green Bank 50 (G-50). Specializing in community-driven lending solutions, Groundswell Capital removes barriers to capital, supports sustainable projects and ensures equitable access to financing for homeowners and small businesses. With programs like EarthWise, Groundswell Capital continues to drive positive change by promoting financial resilience, energy efficiency, and community prosperity.
MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION
Nic Dahl, Executive Vice President
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