Hartford Community Loan Fund (HCLF) is a community development institution that specializes in nonprofit lending. They provide and promote just and affordable financial services that benefit low-wealth residents in the communities they serve. They do this by helping clients overcome barriers including credit history, language, cultural differences, financial literacy, or lack of economic assets. They offer resources and support to strengthen both people and places.
Though HCLF had a managed IT vendor, they were still struggling with chronic IT issues that took too much of their time away from core business responsibilities. They were looking for a new IT partner to help them seamlessly scale their technology as they grew their service area from one community to statewide. In addition, they wanted to implement a bank level cybersecurity program, standardize and streamline their infrastructure, develop a strong remote work environment, and strategically plan for their future IT needs. They asked around and one of our financial services clients referred us to them.
How we did it:
We started with an assessment to identify their pain points, which lead to the creation of their technology roadmap. Once we set their priorities, we worked diligently to systematically address the myriad of chronic issues over the course of 6 to 12 months. Overall, this included upgrading, streamlining, and standardizing, their IT infrastructure. Then, we set up a VPN and locked down other chronic issues to render their remote work environment more consistent, reliable and secure.
Next, we worked to implement a bank-level cybersecurity program to protect them and their clients’ data from cyberthreats. Also, we began quarterly IT Strategic Business Review meetings with them to discuss how to align their technology with their business objectives.
Due to the nature of their work, they needed to plan out other technology projects and their spend in advance. We offered them strategic guidance and IT expertise to help them plan accordingly. They now have IT projects planned out for the next two years.
Results:
By improving their IT infrastructure and remote work environment, they were able to increase their operational efficiencies, double their work staff and expand their service area statewide. They have more time to focus on their core business priorities to better serve their clients. Also, they’re able to predict and plan their IT spending for future business technology needs years in advance thanks to having a strategic minded IT partner.