In this Must Know…
- Take Action: Advocate for Small Business Programs
- CAMEO Network is hiring!
- Last Chance to Join CDFI Essentials
- Upcoming CAMEO Network Events
- CAMEO Network in the News: Our CEO, Carolina Martinez, joined Patrick Nye at the Los Angeles SBDC Network on an op-ed for Capitol Weekly, outlining four key actions California lawmakers can take to help small businesses impacted by recent wildfires recover and build resilience.
- This week’s Goodie Highlight is Immigration Advocates Network’s virtual training on 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Compliance on February 18, 2025 at 1:00pm PT.
Take Action: Advocate for Small Business Programs
As you know, federal agencies are currently reviewing all their grants, loans and programs to ensure that they align with the Trump administration’s priorities, per a directive by the Office of Management and Budget.
While we don’t know the results of the review yet, it’s important to continue to use our voices in support of the programs that help small businesses survive and thrive. This includes programs from the SBA, the CDFI Fund, the USDA, and more.
View this moment as an opportunity to stress the importance of these programs.
- Call your members of Congress.
- Be specific and tangible on how these programs help your community.
- Use good stories and good data.
- Bonus: Have your small business clients call and tell the story of how that loan/coaching contributed to the success of their business.
We can make a difference on behalf of small businesses across the nation. Many people are calling their representatives and telling them what is important to them. If lawmakers don’t hear from constituents about an issue, they will think that no one cares and will not fight for these programs.
We’re Hiring
CAMEO Network is growing! Come join our expanding team and help us build an economy that works for all.
Open positions include:
- Finance Manager
- CDFI Program Manager and Training Specialist, Dallas/Fort Worth Market
- CDFI Program Manager and Training Specialist, Chicago Market
Learn more on our Careers page.
Last Chance to Join CDFI Essentials
CAMEO Network’s 2025 CDFI Essentials cohort kicks off February 18!
This 11-month training program is a great opportunity for microlenders and TA providers dedicated to supporting small businesses across the U.S. to gain the skills and tools needed to thrive in the ever-evolving CDFI landscape.
Don’t miss this chance for professional development!
Upcoming CAMEO Network Events
📅 In-Person Los Angeles Listening Session on February 20, 2025 at 2:00pm at Neighbors and Friends in Pasadena, CA
📅 Strategic Management Framework Course Series from March 20 to April 12, 2025
📅 CAMEO Network Summit on May 28-29, 2025 in Sacramento, CA
Visit our Industry Calendar for more events in our sector.
The Goodies
For Your Clients
- SCORE is hosting the webinar, “Mastering Small Business Taxes – A Startup Guide,” on February 25, 2025 at 10:00am PT.
- SCORE also compiled a list of “14 Tax Preparation Resources for Small Businesses.”
Professional Opportunities
- The Bay Area Jobs First Collaborative opened an RFP for Sector Investment Coordinators. Proposals are due February 28, 2025.
- Join the NCRC Just Economy Conference on March 26 and 27, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
Free Webinars
- Join the Center for Community Wealth Building for “After the Acquisition: What’s Next for Community Ownership & Stewardship?” on February 14, 2025 at 9:00am PT.
- Join Immigration Advocates Network for “Protecting Our Organizations: 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Compliance Virtual Training” on February 18, 2025 at 1:00pm PT.
Other Goodies
- New Research: Read the California Budget and Policy Center’s recently published report, “Disrupting Disparities: Ending the Black Women Wage Gap in California.”
- Jobs: Small Business Anti-Displacement Network, Alliance for Community Development, and TMC Community Capital announced new jobs recently. See who else is hiring!