In this Must Know…
- ICYMI: Federal DEI Guidance
- Entrepreneurship Advantage Meeting Highlights
- Summer Recess Advocacy
- August is National Black Business Month! Make sure to celebrate by shopping at your local Black-owned small businesses.
- This week’s Goodie Highlight is the U.S. Department of Treasury’s new supplemental guidance for CDFI certification issued on July 25, tailored by CDFI type.
ICYMI: Federal DEI Guidance
The U.S. Department of Justice issued new guidance on July 30 clarifying how federal antidiscrimination laws apply to programs, particularly those under DEI. The guidance provides examples of practices that may involve unlawful discrimination and identifies “best practices” to help entities comply. While the guidance is not legally binding and DEI initiatives such as diversity targets are not illegal, entities considered in violation under DOJ’s interpretation of antidiscrimination laws could face legal risk or funding losses.
The Trump Administration’s stance on DEI has also impacted the private sector. Since President Trump’s 2024 reelection, some companies are pulling back on DEI efforts—20% have eliminated their programs and another 16% may follow by the end of 2025—though 80% have maintained them, with most reporting no changes.
Entrepreneurial Advantage Meeting Highlights
On July 24, CAMEO Network held an in-person EA meeting in Los Angeles, hosted and sponsored by USC Credit Union. Highlights included:
- Greg Dulan of Dulan’s on Crenshaw shared his journey as a small business owner and community advocate.
- LA Food Policy Council discussed expanding food access in under-resourced communities.
- PCR SBDC emphasized the need for disaster preparedness through the OutSmart Disaster and Recover program.
- EA members shared strategies for adapting to funding threats, immigration concerns, and shifting financial needs.
Our next member meeting is for Rural North members and will take place in Chico on September 16!
Summer Recess Advocacy
When Congress returns from summer recess, they’ll begin work on the FY2026 Appropriations package, which must pass by September 30 to avoid a shutdown. While the President proposed major cuts to several small business programs, it’s up to Congress to decide.
Use our Summer Recess Advocacy Guide to meet with legislators and share how program cuts would affect your organization and the small businesses you serve.
The Goodies
Industry News
- The U.S. Department of Treasury issued new supplemental guidance for CDFI certification on July 25, tailored by CDFI type.
- A coalition of economic justice advocates filed a lawsuit against the CFPB for abandoning implementation of Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act which prevents discrimination in small business lending.
For Your Clients
- BMO’s Women in Business Grant is officially open for applications from now through August 19, 2025.
- CMTC is offering a Supply Chain Self-Assessment to help California manufacturers, warehousers, and distributors elevate their supply chain into a source of long-term business value.
Professional Opportunities
- Join the Center for Creative Leadership’s “Wellbeing for Leaders in the Social Sector” webinar on August 14, 2025 at 9:00am PT / 12:00pm ET to explore strategies for increased wellbeing at work.
- Join the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s webinar, “How to Secure Capacity-Building Grants,” on August 14, 2025 at 11:00am PT / 2:00pm ET.
Other Goodies
- New Resource: The Defending Equity Initiative provides pro bono support to organizations under immediate threat based on their activity supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, immigrants, and progressive values.
- Jobs: NCRC, UC Berkeley, and IEWBC announced new jobs recently. See who else is hiring!