Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Texas
Empowering Communities Together
New Market Tax Credit Equity Investment
Accepting New Projects For Review
Our Mission
Mission Statement
The Puerto Rico Community Development Entity’s mission is to enhance economic opportunity and quality of life in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Texas 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, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Texas driving sustainable growth and community resilience through strategic investments and partnerships.
Core Objectives
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Leverage the NMTC program to support high-impact economic development projects.
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Provide financing and technical assistance to small businesses, nonprofits, and community development projects.
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Stimulate job creation and workforce development in low-income census tracts.
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Encourage private-sector investment in underserved areas.
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Collaborate with government entities, investors, and community organizations to maximize economic impact.
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, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Texas. 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.
Noir Black Chamber of Commerce Inc.
Established in 2019, the Noir Black Chamber of Commerce Inc. is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) economic development organization and certified Community Development Entity (CDE) under the U.S. Department of Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. It is the only U.S. Chamber of Commerce exclusively dedicated to serving and engaging Black youth aged 9 to 24. The Chamber provides early business education, professional skills training, and Black Community Trauma education, connecting youth to internships, job training, apprenticeship programs, and mentoring. The goal is to increase the number of successful Black entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and corporate professionals over time.
Noir Black Business Clubs
A national initiative of the Noir Black Chamber of Commerce Inc., focused on empowering Black youth ages 9 to 24 through business education, mentorship, and career development. With a rapidly growing presence on college campuses across the country, Noirbbc is creating a pipeline of future Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders. The clubs offer members hands-on business training, professional skills development, networking opportunities, and access to real-world resources that support long-term economic mobility and success.
inSPIRE Black Magazine
A powerful storytelling platform dedicated to celebrating Black excellence, culture, entrepreneurship, and community impact. The magazine highlights inspiring individuals, businesses, and movements shaping Black communities. As it expands nationally, inSPIRE aims to amplify Black voices across the country—connecting stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership while building a vibrant network of changemakers and visionaries.
Noir Lending CDFI Inc.
As the founder of Noir Lending CDFI Inc., Shaw-Woo leads efforts to provide financial services and support to underserved communities, fostering economic growth and development.
Noir Realty Inc. and Noir Real Estate Express School
Through Noir Realty Inc., Shaw-Woo addresses the underrepresentation of Black professionals in the real estate industry. He launched the Noir Real Estate Express School, a national online platform designed to assist Black Americans in becoming certified real estate agents and industry professionals. The school offers a variety of courses for pre- and post-licensing, as well as continuing education, aiming to increase the number of Black real estate professionals across America.
Noir Music Streaming LLC.
Noir Music Streaming LLC is a dynamic platform dedicated to discovering, uplifting, and promoting emerging Black music artists across all genres. Committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, Noir Music Streaming provides artists with visibility, revenue opportunities, and community-driven support to grow their reach and careers. Through curated content, artist development initiatives, and strategic industry partnerships, Noir Music Streaming is building a space where Black creativity and culture thrive.
Kentucky Poverty Initiative Inc.
Shaw-Woo's commitment to social justice and economic empowerment is further demonstrated through his leadership of the Kentucky Poverty Initiative Inc., where he works to address and alleviate poverty within the state.
Through these ventures, John Howard Shaw-Woo exemplifies a profound dedication to fostering economic empowerment, education, and community development within Black and marginalized communities.