Hilda Kennedy, Founder and President of Am Pac Business Capital, launched the 501 (c)(3) in 2005 after serving as Director of Economic Development in local government. In 2007, AmPac became the nation's only faith-based SBA 504 lender, helping small businesses finance or refinance commercial real estate.
Since then, AmPac has funded over $1.2 billion in loans and supported more than 4,500 new jobs. Its annual Connecting Faith & Business Summit, now in its 17th year, unites entrepreneurs and faith-based leaders for values-driven networking and inspiration. AmPac continues to innovate with tools like its mobile app, used by nearly 3000 entrepreneurs, and the It Is Possible Down Payment Assistance Program, launched in 2022 to help businesses build wealth through ownership. In August 2024, Am Pac expanded its reach by acquiring a 40-year-old SBA 504 lender and growing its team. Now celebrating 20 years of impact, Am Pac proudly introduces Am Pac C.A.N., serving businesses in California, Arizona, and Nevada.
Hilda Kennedy has earned numerous honors for her leadership, including the Spirit of the Entrepreneur Award as Woman Business Owner of the Year, NAWBO California Business Owner of the Year, and recognition as Congressional Woman of the Year by Rep. Judy Chu. She also serves as Inland Empire Women in Manufacturing Ambassador.
Kennedy holds board positions with NADCO, Adelfi Credit Union, CAMEO, and the AAA CDFI Alliance, and is a past president of NAWBO at both the state and regional levels. As an Executive Fellow at the UC School of Business, she continues to shape the conversation on entrepreneurship. She has been quoted in Forbes, featured in a documentary on ending poverty in California, and has testified before both the U.S. Senate and House Small Business Committees on behalf of America's entrepreneurs.
Hilda Kennedy loves to spend time with family, participate in and teach bible studies, enjoy high tea and go on long walks and hikes. Kennedy is married to Pastor Brian Kennedy and is the mother of four incredible young adult children.