CDFI Innovation
Accelerator Framework 

Actionable framework for innovation.

Aligning to the Roadmap 

Alignment Layers

1. KPIs & Interview Questions (assessment lens)
2. Roadmap Template (participant deliverables)
3. Curriculum Framework (what we teach + when)
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Stage 1 – Problem Framing & Discovery 

  • Curriculum: Problem framing tools (5 Whys, stakeholder maps), draft org + industry problem statements. 
  • Roadmap: Written org/industry problem statements + stakeholder map. 
  • Assessment Qs/KPIs: Clarity of Objectives + Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Are objectives specific, measurable, aligned with org priorities? 
  • Who are top 3–5 stakeholders, and how are they engaged? 

Stage 2 – Solution Ideation & Landscape Scan 

  • Curriculum: Generating options, scanning existing models, associational thinking. 
  • Roadmap: Top 1–2 concepts + replicability/adoptability notes. 
  • Assessment Qs/KPIs: Defined Action Steps + Scalability/Replication Plan. 
  • Do they have clear rationale for chosen concepts? 
  • Have they considered which contexts/orgs could adopt this? 

Stage 3 – Concept Development & Validation 

  • Curriculum: Value propositions, lean validation, early results. 
  • Roadmap: Org + industry value props, validation plan, early data. 
  • Assessment Qs/KPIs: Market Validation Evidence + Monitoring & Evaluation. 
  • Have they tested assumptions with real users/stakeholders? 
  • What baseline data or early validation evidence exists? 

Stage 4 – Feasibility & Impact Modeling 

  • Curriculum: Feasibility analysis, impact modeling (ops, financial, regulatory).
  • Roadmap: Feasibility findings + projected impact.
  • Assessment Qs/KPIs: Resource Planning + Risk & Mitigation Strategy. 
  • Do they have budget/resource plans? 
  • Have they identified regulatory/operational risks and mitigations? 

Stage 5 – Pilot Planning 

  • Curriculum: Pilot design (scope, metrics, budget), funder alignment. 
  • Roadmap: Pilot plan, funding alignment. 
  • Assessment Qs/KPIs: Capital Structure Innovation + Regulatory & Compliance Readiness. 
  • Is the capital stack innovative and resilient? 
  • Do they have a compliance strategy? 

Stage 6 – Packaging & Demo 

  • Curriculum: Storytelling, final deck/proposal, demo day showcase. 
  • Roadmap: Final narrative, scaling/adoption roadmap. 
  • Assessment Qs/KPIs: Scalability & Replication Plan (final test) + Clarity of Objectives (refined). 
  • Can they clearly communicate problem → solution → pilot → next steps? 
  • How will this scale or transfer across the field? 
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Data Collection Overview: Comprehensive Evaluation Framework

Our program employs a robust, multi-layered data collection strategy designed to capture both quantitative progress metrics and qualitative insights throughout the participant journey.

This comprehensive approach combines longitudinal roadmap assessments with real-time curriculum feedback to ensure continuous improvement and measurable outcomes.

CDFI Capital Solutions Innovation Roadmap 

The CDFI Innovation Roadmap Tool is a structured, stage-based framework designed to guide CDFIs through the innovation process—from problem discovery to pilot launch and industry adoption.

This tool is both a living document and a strategic guide, supporting organizations as they develop, validate, and scale new solutions for capitalization and community impact.

Attendance & Participation Policy 

The OFN Accelerator is designed to catalyze strategic growth, foster peer learning, and connect participants with a robust network of capital partners, mentors, and industry leaders.

Active engagement is essential.