In this Must Know…
- Recap: SCALE In-Person Convening
- Help your clients prepare for rising healthcare premiums
- Call for MEHKO Stories
- This week’s Goodie Highlight is Community Vision’s webinar, “How to Use New Market Tax Credits for Your Nonprofit Facility Project” on September 24, 2025 at 10:30am PT / 1:30pm ET.
Recap – SCALE In-Person Convening
Last week, we hosted the annual SCALE In-Person Convening at the Block Community Hub in Oakland.
Nearly 70 attendees from more than 40 organizations joined us to discuss program updates, share knowledge, and support each other through challenges.
CalOSBA Director, Dr. Tara Lynn Gray, reminded us that the SCALE Network is centered around the entrepreneur and celebrated the 6,800 businesses helped by the network. We also welcomed Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, who talked about the spirit, resilience, and grit of Oakland’s small business community.
Other highlights included:
- The latest lending data and trends from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (decreased demand for expansion capital, rising loan delinquencies, tighter credit conditions)
- Small business owner panel, who shared their successes (role of community, value of coaching and affordable capital) and their challenges (insurance, accessing capital)
- Networking and conversations that highlighted why coaching, capital, connections, and a friendly policy climate are so critical for small business resilience
Help Your Clients Prepare for Rising Healthcare Premiums
Covered California has announced a preliminary 10.3% average rate increase for 2026 health plans, with final rates taking effect January 1. Premiums could rise even higher if federal enhanced premium tax credits expire at the end of 2025, leaving 1.7 million Californians facing steep cost increases. Use this opportunity to begin talking with your clients now about health insurance options and potential impacts of the rate hikes.
Call for MEHKO Stories
Do you have any clients who operate a MEHKO (Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation)? Encourage them to share their story!
COOK Alliance’s MEHKO Spotlight highlights the journeys and community impact of home kitchen entrepreneurs. Featured businesses may be showcased in COOK Alliance’s newsletter, social media, and beyond. Help your clients gain visibility—invite them to submit their MEHKO story today!
The Goodies
Free Webinars
- Join Community Vision for “How to Use New Market Tax Credits for Your Nonprofit Facility Project” on September 24, 2025 at 10:30am PT / 1:30pm ET.
- Join Connecting Communities on September 25, 2025 for “CDFIs Unpacked: Trends and Takeaways from Mission-Driven Lenders” at 12:00pm PT / 3:00pm ET.
For Your Clients
- Reimagine Main Street has a new prototype AI-powered Tax Credit Chatbot, designed to help small businesses save money by claiming federal tax credits. Encourage your clients to test it!
- Public Private Strategies is hosting the webinar “Demystifying Medicare: What Every Employer Needs to Know” on September 4, 2025 at 11:00am PT / 2:0pm ET.
Other Goodies
New Resource: Project Equity just launched the first comprehensive database of policies in support of broad-based Employee Ownership at the federal, state, and local levels.
Jobs: NCRC, UC Berkeley, and IEWBC announced new jobs recently. See who else is hiring!