Two Fort Wayne credit unions help launch Indiana’s First Clean Energy Loan Program
By introducing the Smart-E loan in Fort Wayne, the partners aim to help homeowners finance energy efficiency upgrades, reduce utility costs, and lay the groundwork for statewide expansion.
In a bid to make home energy upgrades more accessible and affordable, two Fort Wayne, Indiana-based credit unions have partnered with a nonprofit to bring the state its first Smart-E residential clean energy lending program.
The collaboration between MidWest America Federal Credit Union, Urban Beginnings Choice Federal Credit Union, and Indiana Energy Independence marks a significant step toward expanding clean energy financing across the state, beginning with Fort Wayne.
The Smart-E loan, a nationally recognized product for funding residential energy efficiency projects, will allow homeowners to finance upgrades like solar panel installations, heat pumps, weatherization, and other environmentally beneficial improvements.
Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker welcomed the initiative, calling it a chance to help residents save money while supporting environmental stewardship.
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"Our community works each day to help individuals and families grow and succeed," she said. "This program provides unique opportunities for us to be good stewards of the environment and find potential savings for homeowners."
MidWest America FCU, which manages $949 million in assets and serves nearly 52,000 members, will offer the loans alongside Urban Beginnings Choice FCU, a smaller institution with 292 members and $1.7 million in assets. Both institutions view the partnership as a natural extension of their commitment to community-focused financial services.
"This is a win for our members, our community, and our shared future," said Shad Edwards, Chief Lending Officer at MidWest America FCU. Urban Beginnings CEO Diane Starks echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of access to "fair and innovative" financial tools.
With plans for broader statewide rollout, the program's backers say they aim to empower Hoosiers to cut costs and invest in a more energy-efficient future.
"This lending product will give more families in Fort Wayne the chance to make smart, money-saving energy improvements—building wealth, cutting costs and improving quality of life for years to come."
– Diane Stark
President & CEO
Urban Beginnings Choice FCU
