Echelon Payments, a provider of customized payment solutions with over two decades in the industry, has announced a strategic partnership with CREATE. Payments, an organization dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations and their partners. This collaboration is set to expand Echelon’s presence into the non-profit marketplace and new territories for traditional merchants, leveraging a model focused on long-term collaboration.
Kevin Canada, Chief Sales Officer at Echelon, stated, “CREATE. represents the kind of forward-thinking, cause-based leadership that aligns perfectly with Echelon. By combining our resources and experience, we’re expanding into the non-profit marketplace at scale and also into new territories with traditional merchants, creating a model of collaboration that prioritizes long-term success over short-term transactions.”
The partnership allows Echelon to enhance its footprint in new markets, including the non-profit sector, where CREATE. has established significant expertise and relationships. Conversely, CREATE. will utilize Echelon’s comprehensive operational infrastructure, enabling it to focus on its mission without the substantial investment typically required for building a complete back-office operation. Echelon views this partnership as a key investment in its strategic partnership channel, underscoring its commitment to growth and innovation.
Peter Youngren, Managing Partner of CREATE., commented, “After years of trial and error, we recognized the need for a true one-stop partner we could trust with our merchants, our partners, and our brand—and we found that in Echelon. Their full-service operations allow us to focus on what matters most: serving the non-profit community and other merchants that need our help. Together, we’re forging a partnership built on expertise, enabling us to make a meaningful difference for the organizations and communities we serve.”
CREATE. employs self-developed technology to equip its agents with the necessary tools for marketing and scaling their businesses. The company has strengthened its sales growth and market presence by integrating seasoned industry veterans into key leadership roles. Echelon provides a robust operational foundation encompassing underwriting, onboarding, risk management, compliance, and customer service, ensuring consistent, high-quality support for merchants and sales partners. Together, the organizations aim to provide a full-service ecosystem designed to foster growth, excellence, and expand their impact nationwide.
CREATE. Payments helps agents, merchants, and partners navigate the evolving financial landscape, built on principles of transparency and support, which has contributed to industry-low attrition rates for its agents. Echelon Payments, founded in 2006 as EPSG and rebranded in 2024, delivers customized payment solutions, supported by advanced security and customer service, empowering sales partners to build their businesses.
