In this Must Know…
- ICYMI: Federal Funding Freeze Updates
- CAMEO Network is hiring!
- CDFI Essentials 2025 kicks off February 18, 2025.
- Join the Los Angeles Wildfires Community Page and learn more about it at our second Los Angeles Member Listening Session TOMORROW at 2:30pm PT.
- CAMEO in the news: CAMEO Network CEO Carolina Martinez was quoted in an AP story on disaster aid options for small businesses impacted by the LA wildfires.
- This week’s Goodie Highlight is the opening of the FY 2025 funding round for the CDFI Program and NACA Program!
ICYMI: Federal Funding Freeze Updates
On Tuesday, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a directive to freeze federal grant funding related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives.
While OMB rescinded this guidance on Wednesday, all federal agencies continue to review every program under their purview to identify those that may violate the President’s Executive Orders.
We are clear this is a fluid situation. No matter the outcome, CAMEO Network remains steadfast in advocating for policies that support this country’s micro and small businesses. By investing in solutions and maintaining programs that open doors for all entrepreneurs, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy.
Please read our full statement on the CAMEO Network Blog. We will continue to update you as we receive information and look for solutions to the problems that arise. CAMEO Network member CEOs are invited to join us for a leadership listening session on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 8:30am PT. Please RSVP to Heidi Pickman and she will send you the invitation. You may send someone from your senior leadership in your stead.
CAMEO Network Is Hiring!
CAMEO Network is hiring a Finance Manager! This role combines strategic financial oversight with hands-on support for CAMEO Network’s finance, bookkeeping, and HR functions, as well as those of other mission-aligned organizations. The Finance Manager will ensure operational excellence and deliver high-quality training and support.
Learn more about this and our three other open positions on our Careers page.
Join CDFI Essentials 2025
CDFI Essentials, CAMEO Network’s signature year-long training for microlenders, kicks off its 2025 cohort on February 18! This intensive peer cohort program supports new and emerging CDFIs to learn skills, create policies and manage risk — while meeting their mission to serve entrepreneurs of color and LMI communities.
CAMEO Network members are entitled to special discounts for registering (see event page for details).
LA Disaster Recovery: Join the Conversation
In response to the ongoing challenges presented by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, we created an online forum for our members in the region to connect, discuss action items, and share resources.
Join the Los Angeles Wildfires Community Page via CAMEO Academy. Follow these instructions to log in, create posts, and search for information. And don’t forget to join our Los Angeles Member Listening Session TOMORROW at 2:30pm PT!
The Goodies
Free Webinars
- Join Women Impacting Public Policy on February 4, 2025 at 1:00pm PT for a discussion on Executive Orders affecting the women-owned business community.
- ICYMI: Watch the recording of the webinar we co-hosted with Public Counsel on the rights of nonprofit and business owners when interacting with ICE.
Professional Opportunities
- Applications for NCRC’s Fellowship for Equitable Development will open to NCRC members on February 3, 2025.
- Credit Builders Alliance’s Capital One Credit Building Program helps organizations include credit building products in their financial coaching/counseling programs without having to offer them in-house or create them from scratch.
For Your Clients
- Public Counsel will be hosting a Know Your Rights webinar on Commercial Tenant Rights and New Protections in 2025 on February 4, 2025 at 11:00am.
- Covered California has opened a special enrollment period for uninsured residents, including self-employed entrepreneurs, in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Eligible residents have until March 8, 2025 to enroll into coverage.
Other Goodies
- New Resource: The National Council of Nonprofits’ Chart of Executive Orders Affecting Nonprofits provides an overview of recent Executive Orders and their potential impact on the nonprofit sector, including updates on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, government funding, and more.
- Jobs: SBAN, Alliance for Community Development, and TMC Community Capital announced new jobs recently. See who else is hiring!