In this Must Know…
- Join us May 6, 2026 at 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET for CDFI Partnerships, Mergers, Acquisitions and Strategic Alliances
- Celebrating National Small Business Week – Part I
- CAMEO Network endorses the Investing in the American Dream Act
- Last day to save! Register for the 2026 CAMEO Network Conference: Collective Power in Action and receive a free ticket to California Advocacy Day.
- Great News: The Long Beach city council passed a MEHKO ordinance, allowing MEHKOs to operate legally!
- This week’s Goodie Highlight is Small Business for America’s Future’s briefing on May 6, 2026 at 1:00pm PT / 4:00pm ET focused on what it takes for small businesses to secure the tariff refunds they may be owed.
Next Week: CDFI Partnerships: Mergers, Acquisitions and Strategic Alliances
| Is your CDFI considering a merger or strategic alliance? Join us May 6, 2026 at 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET for this 90-minute course on formal partnerships as pathways to growth and sustainability. We will be joined by industry leader Hilda Kennedy of AmPac Business Capital. Drawing on AmPac’s 2024 merger with Enterprise Funding, Hilda will guide executive leaders and board members through evaluating partnership models, navigating due diligence, and managing integration from first conversations to completion. |
Celebrating Latino Entrepreneurs for National Small Business Week
Latino entrepreneurs are not just business owners — they are anchors holding our neighborhoods steady. And many are facing real pressures due to immigration raids and rising costs. But visibility is power. When enforcement fears slow the business traffic on our streets, showing up is our strongest response. Stop by, say hi, and stand with a local Latino-owned business this National Small Business Week (May 3-9). Showing up is the support these entrepreneurs need.
New Legislation Aims to Protect Access to Capital for Immigrants
CAMEO Network is proud to join more than 100 organizations endorsing the Investing in the American Dream Act, introduced by Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Nydia Velázquez. The bill would restore SBA loan eligibility for legal permanent residents — including green card holders, asylees, and refugees — reversing the current Administration’s restrictions that have caused a 30% drop in SBA lending and 24,000 fewer loans since June 2025. Immigrant small business owners deserve access to the capital they need to thrive.
The Goodies
For Your Clients
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched CAPE, a new system to help eligible businesses recover funds paid under IEEPA tariffs.
- Small Business for America’s Future is hosting a briefing on May 6, 2026 at 1:00pm PT / 4:00pm ET focused on what it takes for small businesses to secure the tariff refunds they may be owed.
Industry News
- A coalition of nonprofits and professional associations, represented by Democracy Forward, are suing the Trump Administration for its executive order that targets “DEI” in federal contracting.
- The Treasury Department has initiated a review of certified CDFIs for potential violations of the law or certification requirements.
New Resources
- A recent article in Nonprofit PRO explores “Why Nonprofits Are Becoming Prime Targets for Cyberattacks.”
- The Main Street Journal offers a regularly updated list of new local investment opportunities across the United States.
Other Goodies
- New Research: Results from a recent survey show that small “maker” businesses can revitalize downtowns.
- Jobs: Working Solutions CDFI, Main Street Launch and Cooperativa Latino Credit Union announced new jobs recently. See who else is hiring!