In this Must Know…
- Federal Policy Updates: Government Funding and New SBA Guidelines
- Take Action: Sign on to our letter of support for the California Investment and Innovation Program by February 20!
- For Your Clients: Staying Compliant with CalSavers
- Registrations are open for our Strategic Management Framework Series, CDFI Essentials, and Microlending Essentials.
- This week’s Goodie Highlight is NALCAB’s Maker to Market (M2M) Accelerator, which closes applications on February 9, 2026.
Federal Policy Updates: Government Funding and New SBA Guidelines
The federal government has reopened following a brief partial shutdown, with most agencies—including Financial Services and General Government—now funded through September, though DHS funding remains unresolved.
At the same time, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced new 7(a) loan eligibility rules taking effect March 1, 2026, requiring all business owners to be U.S. citizens or nationals residing in the U.S., effectively barring green card holders from accessing SBA’s capital programs.
As CAMEO Network CEO Carolina Martinez shared with Politico and CBS News, these changes threaten economic mobility and Main Street stability by cutting off capital to immigrant entrepreneurs, who start businesses at twice the national rate.
CAMEO Network is working with elected officials to reverse this policy. If you have clients who will be affected by the new guidance, please fill out this anonymous survey or email Daniela Fernandez-Ulen.
Read our full federal update on the CAMEO Network Blog.
Take Action: Support Renewed Funding for CalIIP
| The California Investment and Innovation Program (Cal IIP) is a state initiative that helps CDFIs—including many CAMEO Network members—finance small businesses, housing, and community projects across California. CAMEO Network is working with the California Coalition for Community Investment (CCCI) to secure renewed state funding, and we need your help! Please sign on to our letter of support by February 20. |
For Your Clients: Staying Compliant with CalSavers
CalSavers is California’s state-sponsored retirement savings program that employers must facilitate unless they offer a qualified retirement plan. Although the registration deadline has passed, many businesses have not yet enrolled and risk penalties of up to $750 per eligible employee. Employers can still register now to come into compliance and avoid fines. CalSavers is offering free employer webinars on February 10, February 18, and February 24.
The Goodies
For Your Clients
- Small Business Majority is hosting a free webinar designed to help small business owners navigate the financing landscape, on February 10, 2026 at 11:00am PT / 2:00pm ET.
- Bet Tzedek’s webinar, “5 Legal Tips every Small Business Owner should Know,” takes place February 18, 2026 at 10:00am PT.
Professional & Funding Opportunities
- NALCAB’s Maker to Market (M2M) Accelerator offers $25,000 grants to organizations serving small-scale manufacturers. Applications close February 9, 2026.
- Greenlining’s Summer Associate program is a 10-week training program for college students and early-career leaders. Applications are due March 20, 2026.
Free Webinars
- Join CDFI Friendly America for “The Future of CDFIs” on February 10, 2026 at 11:00am PT / 2:00pm ET.
- The Center for Responsible Lending is hosting “LOST OPPORTUNITIES: How OppFi Traps Borrowers in Unaffordable Debt” on February 12, 2026 at 11:00am PT / 2:00pm ET.
Other Goodies
- Member Kudos: Start Small Think Big announced the appointment of Mabell Fernandez as its new Executive Director. Join us in congratulating Mabell!
- Jobs: The Center at Lendistry, the California Budget & Policy Center, AFREF, and HIAS announced new jobs recently. See who else is hiring!