The Community Finance Academy emerged from Stephen Shaff and Bill Huston's shared recognition that existing community development systems were failing, characterized by fragmented efforts, inadequate traditional funding, and persistent disparities. Driven by a deep commitment to social justice and economic empowerment, they understood the essential need for a new model.

 

Shaff brought his unparalleled experience in real estate development, community organizing, and political activism, while Huston contributed his innovative crowdfunding expertise and ability to mobilize capital for underserved communities. Their synergy led to a vision of empowering communities to fund themselves by democratizing access to capital, enabling residents to shape their economic destinies.

 

This vision coalesced into CFA, an AI-driven training startup in community capital, investment, and real estate crowdfunding.