In this Must Know…
- CRA Resolution on SBA Lending Policy
- SCALE Small Business Spotlight Road Tour stops in Aptos
- Join CAMEO Network’s National CDFI Academy on August 25 and September 1, 2026 for AI for CDFIs: From Strategy to Implementation.
- Take Action: Our sponsored bill, AB 2116, will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on August 3. If you haven’t done so, please sign on to our letter of support by TOMORROW EOD.
- CAMEO Network is hiring a Finance Manager.
- This week’s Goodie Highlight is the Small Business Technical Assistance Program, which is now open. Proposals are due August 17, 2026.
CAMEO Network Applauds CRA Resolution on SBA’s Lending Policy
Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-7) have introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Trump administration’s policy barring green card holders from accessing SBA loans. This restriction threatens small business growth and job creation, noting SBA loans to green card holders supported more than 80,000 jobs in FY2025. CAMEO Network applauds the introduction of the resolution.
SCALE Road Tour Stops in Aptos
Last Thursday, the SCALE Small Business Spotlight Road Tour stopped in Aptos, California to hear from Blanca Larios, owner of Seacliff Beach Laundromat. As a former employee and now owner, Blanca spent years learning to build a successful linen and towel service for Central Coast tourism. She’s expanded sustainably thanks to the capital and coaching El Pajaro CDC provided through the SCALE program. Read the full story on the CAMEO Blog.
New Training: AI for CDFIs
Learn how artificial intelligence can help mission-driven lenders improve efficiency, strengthen lending decisions, enhance client service, and expand organizational capacity. Join us virtually on August 25 and September 1, 2026 for AI for CDFIs: From Strategy to Implementation.
This two-part series equips CDFIs and small business lenders with practical AI knowledge, real-world examples, and a framework for identifying and prioritizing AI opportunities within their organizations.
2026 Conference: Collective Power in Action
Speaker Announcement!
We’re excited to announce that Chris Brenner, Professor, Chair, and Director of the Everett Program and Institute for Social Transformation at UC Santa Cruz will join us as a keynote speaker.
Chris will explore solidarity economics, an approach grounded in connection, mutuality, and community, and what it means for building a more resilient and equitable economy. We will discuss how these ideas relate to our small business ecosystem and challenge ourselves to consider our field’s role in shaping a stronger economic future.
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
Industry News
- California welcomed former CFPB head Rohit Chopra, to run to run the new California Business and Consumer Services Agency, which will protect consumers and small businesses.
- The CFPB has announced that it will hold off on layoffs and pause its return-to-office plan until a new director is in place.
New Research
- The Greenlining Institute and USDN’s new report, “Blueprints for Change,” examines what communities, local governments, funders, and implementation partners learned from the recent wave of federal climate and infrastructure funding.
- Upwork published its annual research paper, “The Future Workforce Index 2026.”
Funding Opportunities
- Applications are now open for the first implementation cohort of the ABC Initiative (Asset Building for Children). The application deadline is August 7, 2026.
- CalOSBA announced that the Small Business Technical Assistance Program is now open. Proposals are due August 17, 2026.
Other Goodies
- Free Webinar: Join SBAN for “Getting Ahead of Small Business Displacement” on July 28, 2026 at 12:00pm PT / 3:00pm ET.
- Jobs: Public Counsel, LA Más, and Pacific Community Ventures announced new jobs recently. See who else is hiring!