Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands
About Us
OUR TEAM
The Puerto Rico Community Development Entity (PRCDE) is led by John Howard Shaw-Woo, a serial philanthropreneur, alongside a dedicated Community Board composed of New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) industry experts and community representatives from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together, the team brings deep expertise in business development, community and economic revitalization, housing development, healthcare, multi-source project financing, and various programs supported by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund).
John Howard Shaw-Woo
Serial Philanthropreneur and Community Leader
John Howard Shaw-Woo is a dedicated philanthropist and entrepreneur committed to empowering Black communities through economic development and education. He is the founder, president, and CEO of several organizations, including Noir Black Chamber of Commerce Inc., Noir Lending CDFI Inc., Noir Realty Inc., and the Kentucky Poverty Initiative Inc.
Our Mission
Mission Statement
The Puerto Rico Community Development Entity’s mission is to enhance economic opportunity and quality of life in Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands low-income communities by mobilizing capital to support businesses and projects that drive economic development.
Vision Statement
To be the leading facilitator of economic development funding in Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands driving sustainable growth and community resilience through strategic investments and partnerships.
Core Objectives
-
Leverage the NMTC program to support high-impact economic development projects.
-
Provide financing and technical assistance to small businesses, nonprofits, and community development projects.
-
Stimulate job creation and workforce development in low-income census tracts.
-
Encourage private-sector investment in underserved areas.
-
Collaborate with government entities, investors, and community organizations to maximize economic impact.
Submit Your Project
Events
