In this Must Know…
- GAO Requires Congressional Review of SBA Loan Eligibility Rule
- California Policy Update: AB 2116 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee!
- National Independent Retailer Month
- 2026 Conference: Speaker Announcement
- CAMEO Network is hiring a Finance Manager
- MEHKO News: Fresno County approved a pilot program to allow residents to open a MEHKO, starting January 2027.
- This week’s Goodie Highlight is CAMEO Network’s survey to understand the impact of FY2025 funding deployment delays from the CDFI Fund on your organization.
Good News: GAO Requires Congressional Review of SBA Loan Eligibility Rule
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has concluded that the Small Business Administration’s decision to exclude non-citizens (including legal permanent residents) from eligibility for its 7(a) and 504 loan programs is subject to the Congressional Review Act’s submission requirements. This means that, before the rule takes effect, SBA must submit it to the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Comptroller General.
CAMEO Network welcomes this news. As CEO Carolina Martinez told CalMatters, “this SBA decision… is really bad for the American economy.”
California Policy Update
More good news! AB 2116, which would give the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation oversight of companies offering non-loan financing to small businesses, has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and will move to Senate Appropriations after the summer recess. If you haven’t already, sign our support letter. During recess, consider meeting with your legislators or inviting them to tour businesses in your community.
National Independent Retailer Month
Alongside the birth of our nation, we celebrate National Independent Retailer Month — a reminder of the vital role small businesses play in our communities and economy. Many small businesses continue to face challenges, including tariffs, inflation, limited access to capital, reduced federal support, and changing immigration policies. Supporting these businesses is one of the best ways we can honor our nation’s entrepreneurial spirit.
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
New Resources
- Listen to SOCAP Global’s recent podcast episode, “Expanding the Capital Continuum for All Businesses.”
- NCLC published the issue brief “What States & Local Governments Can Do to Support Immigrants’ Financial Stability.”
For Your Clients
- Applications for Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program are open throughout 2026.
- Small Business Majority is hosting the webinar “Know your rights: Immigration resources for Bay Area small business owners and workers” on July 9, 2026 at 11:00am PT.
Take Action
- Donate to and share the Boyle Heights Fire Relief Fund to provide emergency grants to impacted small businesses and street vendors in the immediate vicinity of the Lineage Fire.
- Endorse the National Council of Nonprofits’ Principles for Ethical Online Fundraising Platforms.
Other Goodies
- Survey: Attention lenders! Help us understand the impact of FY2025 funding deployment delays from the CDFI Fund on your organization.
- Jobs: Public Counsel, LA Más, Pacific Community Ventures, and Working Solutions CDFI announced new jobs recently. See who else is hiring!