Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, has joined forces with investment firm Lafayette Square to launch a groundbreaking financing initiative aimed at empowering diverse hotel owners. This partnership focuses on addressing the financial challenges that often hinder progress for underrepresented hoteliers. Lafayette Square is committing up to $100 million from its balance sheet to provide financing to qualified Wyndham franchisees.

Through this exclusive collaboration, Wyndham will carefully vet and connect eligible candidates to Lafayette Square. The goal is to support diverse entrepreneurs in advancing their hotel ownership projects, especially those delayed due to lack of access to traditional financing.

Strengthening Diversity Initiatives: BOLD and Women Own the Room

This partnership aligns with Wyndham’s successful diversity programs, BOLD (Black Owners and Lodging Developers) and Women Own the Room, which aim to increase hotel ownership among Black and women entrepreneurs. Both initiatives provide a wide range of support, including networking, educational resources through the newly launched Accelerator Circle, operational assistance, and complimentary services designed to help entrepreneurs thrive in the competitive hospitality market.

Since their inception, these programs have led to over 100 hotel deals with Black and women hoteliers, with more than 20 already operational.

Overcoming Barriers to Financing

“Financial inequities remain a significant hurdle in hospitality, especially for diverse owners,” said Galen Barrett, VP of Strategic Franchise Initiatives at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Partnerships with champions like Lafayette Square are vital to creating more equitable opportunities. Our mission is to open doors for deserving hoteliers, ensuring they have access to the tools and resources needed to succeed.”

Abhay Patel, Managing Director at Lafayette Square, echoed this sentiment: “Access to financing continues to be a challenge for diverse entrepreneurs. By working with Wyndham, we are bringing critical resources to the hospitality industry, making hotel ownership a reality for qualified candidates.”

A Success Story: Dr. Amina James

The initiative has already made an impact. Dr. Amina James, a member of BOLD and a seasoned real estate professional, struggled to secure traditional financing for her latest project in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Thanks to Wyndham’s connection with Lafayette Square, she successfully obtained the funds needed to acquire and upgrade her second hotel, now open as the Wyndham Lake Charles.

“Wyndham and Lafayette Square believed in my vision and provided the credibility and support I needed to succeed,” said Dr. James. “Their programs are breaking down barriers and creating pathways to hotel ownership that were previously unattainable.”

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