JUST Community Launches Annual Savings Challenge to Build Financial Resilience for Texas Families and Entrepreneurs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 11, 2026
Media Contact: Jorge Ortega | jorge@hellojust.com
DALLAS, TEXAS — JUST Community today launched its Savings Challenge, a comprehensive program designed to help Texas entrepreneurs build emergency funds, strengthen financial stability, and achieve long-term business success. The initiative empowers small business owners to save strategically while growing their businesses through structured savings programs and personalized coaching.
"The Savings Challenge represents our commitment to building not just businesses, but financial resilience for entire families and communities," said Steve Wanta, CEO and Co-Founder of JUST Community. "When entrepreneurs can save strategically and plan ahead, they're better equipped to weather challenges, seize opportunities, build lasting wealth, and lead lives with less stress and more joy."
The program launch is supported in part through a continued Wells Fargo Foundation Grant, enabling JUST to deepen its trust-based community lending model across Texas. This funding helps business owners access structured savings programs that complement JUST's unique model, creating a comprehensive approach to wealth generation and financial wellness.
The Savings Challenge offers entrepreneurs:
Structured savings programs with personalized goals
One-on-one coaching to build financial planning skills
Community support through peer networks
Resources to build credit and access additional capital
Tools to prepare for business growth and unexpected challenges
JUST's unique model demonstrates the power of trust-based support: the organization has provided more than $45 million in loans to thousands of Texas entrepreneurs, with a 99% repayment rate across more than 15,000 loans. JUST clients have collectively saved $75,000, with savings projected to reach $1.5 million by next year. Nearly 90% of participants can cover $400 in emergency expenses within 18-24 months of joining the program.
JUST focuses on helping clients build lasting wealth through channels such as homeownership. Recently, JUST launched the CASA Downpayment Assistance Program, providing down payment assistance and homeownership milestones to support clients' long-term financial well-being.
Unlike traditional financial models, JUST removes barriers such as credit score and collateral requirements, allowing those outside of more traditional and formal banking to access resources for financial mobility and strength. This deeply relational and trust-based model acts as a glide path to more formal finance and therefore greater access to financial empowerment. This approach has transformed families across Texas, helping entrepreneurs create jobs, support families, and build generational wealth.
For more information about the Savings Challenge, JUST Community, or to learn how to participate, visit www.hellojust.com or contact Jorge Ortega at jorge@hellojust.com.
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ABOUT JUST COMMUNITY
JUST Community is a nonprofit-certified CDFI and social venture closing the racial wealth gap by investing in ambitious Texas entrepreneurs through a trust-based financial system that combines capital, coaching, and community. JUST is rooted in trust and guided by its purpose of creating less stress and more joy through programs like the JETA (JUST Entrepreneur Trust Agent), which trains local women to lead peer groups and connect entrepreneurs to capital and resources—helping small businesses grow, build financial stability, and create generational wealth. Learn more at www.hellojust.com.
