In this Must Know…
- New Federal Reserve Report on Nonemployer Firms
- California Recess Advocacy Guide
- Welcome New CAMEO Members!
- CAMEO Network is hiring a Finance Manager
- This week’s Goodie Highlight is SBAN’s new report: Getting Ahead of Small Business Displacement.
New Federal Reserve Report on Nonemployer Firms
A new report from the 2025 Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS) explores the performance, challenges, and financing experiences of nonemployer firms — businesses with no employees other than the owner(s).
The findings show that nonemployer firms are less likely than employer firms to be profitable, but they are more optimistic about future revenue growth. Nearly one-third also plan to add employees within the next 12 months.
The report also highlights distinct financing patterns as well. About half of nonemployer firms reported having no debt, and 31% said they do not regularly use external financing. When facing financial challenges, nonemployer firms were more likely than employer firms to rely on owners’ personal funds (64% versus 54%), underscoring the important role of personal resources in supporting these businesses.
California Recess Advocacy Guide
The California Legislature’s summer recess offers an important opportunity to engage state lawmakers on small business priorities. Our new California Recess Advocacy Guide includes key legislative dates, policy updates, sample outreach materials, and talking points on CDFI funding, technical assistance support, and responsible small business lending. It also includes resources for contacting state legislators during recess.
Welcome New CAMEO Members!
The CAMEO network keeps growing all the time. During the first half of 2026, we welcomed 12 new members to our ranks. Learn more about them below:
- Bridging Virginia
- Business and Community Lenders (BCL) of Texas
- Cesar Chavez Foundation
- Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation
- Enterprising Latinas, Inc.
- Entrepreneur Fund
- IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity
- Loyola University Chicago
- Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- People Incorporated Financial Services
- Rende Progress Capital
- South Carolina Community Loan Fund
2026 Conference: Collective Power in Action
Speaker Announcement!
We’re excited to announce that Katie Wonnenberg of Public Private Strategies will join us as a keynote speaker.
Katie will share timely insights on the post-election policy landscape, the uncertainty surrounding federal and state funding, and what communities and organizations can expect if government support begins to shrink. Her session will explore the challenges ahead and strategies for navigating an evolving policy and funding environment.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation! Register here to join us in San Jose, November 16–18, 2026.
CAMEO members receive a discount on registration. To receive the member discount code, email Sandra Flores.
The Goodies
Free Webinars
- Join Recast City’s “Find the Funding Workshop” on July 15, 2026 at 11:00am PT / 12:00pm ET.
- CalNonprofits is hosting “Navigating Nonprofit Employee Benefits” on July 16, 2026 at 11:00am PT.
Other Goodies
- New Research: SBAN’s report Getting Ahead of Small Business Displacement examines commercial gentrification and strategies for early intervention.
- Jobs: Public Counsel, LA Más, and Pacific Community Ventures announced new jobs recently. See who else is hiring!