Cooperation is more than a philosophy for credit unions and cooperativas —it is a powerful strategy for expanding access to capital and strengthening local economies. Through loan participations and syndicated lending, institutions can finance larger development projects such as housing, tourism, and manufacturing, while sharing risk and increasing their lending capacity. At the same time, cooperativas and credit unions are expanding their focus on small business lending to support local entrepreneurs, job creation, and community wealth building. This session will explore how institutions in Puerto Rico and the United States mainland are balancing these opportunities. They are participating in collaborative loans for larger development projects while building effective small business lending programs. Panelists will share insights on how syndicated loans are structured, the benefits and challenges of shared lending, and the impact these collaborations can have on institutions and communities. The session will also highlight practical strategies for strengthening institutional growth and community impact through small business lending that can grow alongside larger economic development initiatives.