Financial education is sorely lacking in the accessibility department, but Kredit Academy head Evan Leaphart aims to change that. To help that endeavor come to fruition, the Miami startup is launching a community initiative along with the financial service company Edward Jones, the Dade County Federal Credit Union, and the nonprofit Tech Knowledge organization.
Together, they’re offering free access to Kredit Academy’s intuitive app, Kredit Quest. The financial literacy-centered app offers users a vast array of finance tools and lessons to navigate this often confusing subject. Additionally, app users can gain access to savings account matches for DCFCU-opened accounts.
Kredit Quest is More Than an App
Tech Knowledge founder Ted Lucas noted that the project is much more than an app, but a “movement toward financial freedom for Miami-Dade County.” On the project’s goal, he wants to help “equip every participant with not just knowledge, but the tools to take action, grow their savings, and build a more secure financial future.”
The Kredit Quest platform offers financial institutions a tool to educate in a way that appeals to all ages. Users earn points during the app’s education programs, earning rewards that range from gift cards to mortgage financial assistance. For anyone looking to boost their financial literacy, the app is a fun, rewarding, and intuitive way to gain financial know-how that makes sense.
What Inspired the Kredit Quest Initiative?
Leaphart explained that, ultimately, these organizations are passionate about eliminating the significant wealth gap through equitable financial education. He noted, “While we intend to roll out this offering beyond the region, we felt that Miami is a great launching pad and serves as a healthy, diverse demographic to offer financial education.”
Given that Leaphart has lived in Miami for many years, this program is a personal passion project. Only five teams were picked to take part in the 2024 3North innovation acceleration program, based in Buffalo, NY. Kredit Academy was one of the five and benefited from a $1 million award. It was a significant honor that Leaphart cites as the inspiration for many of the company’s recent projects, including Kredit Quest.
Learning from the 3North Innovation Acceleration Program
On the experience, Leaphart said, “Starting over in Buffalo, you’re effectively starting on a good foot because it’s a strong badge of honor to win, and you are celebrated.” He explained that the program made the team more attractive to business partnerships in a Refresh Miami interview.
The 3North innovation acceleration program helped the team concoct a business model that works faster and results in higher revenue for clients. Leaphart credited the program’s marketing exercise for the company’s creation of Kiddie Kredit and even sparked the idea for the Kredit Quest collaboration. The company’s people-first culture is also a result of the team’s Boston experience. As for the future, Kredit Academy is looking to launch a credit card by the end of 2025.
How Can Miami Residents Get Involved?
On Wednesday, April 23, interested Miami residents can attend a special event at Red Rooster from 6 pm to 8 pm to learn more about Kredit Academy’s initiative. Between live app demonstrations, community leader speeches, and even on-site enrollment support, it’s a must-attend event.
