In this Must Know…
- Join our Strategic Management Framework Series from February 12–March 26, 2026.
- ICYMI: The recording and slides from last week’s Shared Services Center Launch Webinar are now available.
- Industry News: Tariffs affecting small business hiring
- Join our National Member Meeting on January 30, 2026 at 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET
- Join our 2026 CDFI Essentials cohort starting in February!
- This week’s Goodie Highlight is Public Counsel’s Know Your Rights webinar on January 27, 2026 at 2:00pm PT.
Strategic Management Framework Series
CAMEO Network’s National CDFI Academy is offering the Strategic Management Framework Series, a four-part online training for microlending and small business lending CDFIs, running February 12–March 26, 2026.
Led by industry experts Leslie Hoffman and Barbara Eckblad, the series covers strategic management, goal setting, financial projections, and annual operating plans through interactive case studies and peer learning. This series is ideal for management-level staff.
Shared Services Center
CAMEO Network’s Shared Services Center is launching in 2026 as a fee-for-service model to strengthen the operational capacity and efficiency of organizations nationwide. Shared Services offers support with HR, technology, and finance to help organizations scale their impact. The program is open to CDFIs, technical assistance providers, and business support organizations. Missed the launch webinar? Access the recording and slides, and complete the interest form to learn more.
Industry News: Tariffs Affecting Small Biz Hiring
Across the country entrepreneurs are facing serious headwinds. Stephen Heckeroth, founder of Renewables Electric Tractors and a client of CAMEO Network member West Business Development Center, shared with the Associated Press that tariff uncertainty has delayed hiring by at least six months. When small businesses stall, communities suffer. It’s time for policymakers to reduce burdens like tariffs and invest in small businesses and the community lenders that support them.
If you’d like to discuss media opportunities for any of your clients, let us know.
The Goodies
For Your Clients
- The WBDC’s “Marketing Makeover” webinar TOMORROW at 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET, will discuss how to create a brand, communications strategy, and ecosystem that deeply engages target customers and stakeholders.
- Bet Tzedek is hosting a webinar series on Small Business Compliance and Legal Foundation. The next session, on legal tips every small business owner should know, takes place February 18, 2026 at 10:00am PT.
Funding Opportunities
- Prosperity Now is accepting proposals for 2026 VITA Funding, which supports programs and organizations that directly support VITA operations in providing no-cost basic tax return preparation nationwide. The application deadline is January 27, 2026.
- The T-Mobile Hometown Grant provides grants of up to $50,000 to help build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities. Applications close March 31, 2026.
Professional Opportunities
- The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s recent workshop, “Audit Ready Book-keeping,” is now available on demand.
- Learn more about NCRC’s Fellowship for Equitable Development at their informational webinar on January 28, 2026 at 11:00am PT / 2:00pm ET.
Other Goodies
- Free Webinar: Join Public Counsel on January 27, 2026 at 2:00pm PT for a Know Your Rights webinar on interacting with Immigration Enforcement.
- Jobs: HIAS, City First Enterprises, and the Center for Rural Affairs announced new jobs recently. See who else is hiring!