In this Must Know…
- Team Updates
- Join our National Member Meeting on January 30, 2026 at 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET
- Vote for CAMEO Network and Caleb Ostrander in the 2026 State of Entrepreneurship Awards
- Save The Date for our 2026 CAMEO Network Conference!
- This week’s Goodie Highlight is tonight’s vote on the ACA subsidies extension — contact your representatives and urge them to vote YES!
Team Updates
CAMEO Network is excited to welcome Mauricia Chavarria-Guam as our new Finance Manager! A proud member of Santa Clara Pueblo (Kha’P’o Owingeh), Mauricia brings over 24 years of experience in finance, accounting, and enterprise development, with a strong record of community-centered business leadership, board service, and a deep commitment to building sustainable economies and mentoring the next generation. You can reach Mauricia at mchavarriaquam@CAMEOnetwork.org.
Other CAMEO Network team members are also celebrating new positions:
- Daniela Fernandez-Ulen, Senior Communications Manager
- Heidi Pickman, VP, External Relations
- Liza Rivera-Gonzalez, Director, Community Engagement
Join us in congratulating them on their new roles!
2026 National Member Meeting
As CAMEO Network expands beyond California, we are committed to convening and connecting with our national members and learning how best to support you and the small businesses in your state. Join us on January 30, 2026 at 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET to discuss the impact of federal funding cuts on state budgets, receive CAMEO Network updates, and connect with fellow members to share best practices and ideas.
Vote for Us — State of Entrepreneurship Awards
The DEC Network, a Dallas-based small business support organization, has nominated CAMEO Network for Ecosystem Builder of the Year and Caleb Ostrander—our Texas CDFI Program Manager and Training Specialist—for Capital Access Champion of the Year in its annual State of Entrepreneurship Awards. We’re honored by the recognition and invite you to show your support by voting. The deadline is January 16.
Save The Date: 2026 CAMEO Network Conference
Mark your calendar for the 2026 CAMEO Network Conference, happening November 16–18, 2026 in San Jose, California. Join fellow members and other small business champions and partners from across the country for three days of learning, connection, and collaboration focused on strengthening small business ecosystems and protecting small business communities. More details coming soon—stay tuned!
The Goodies
Professional Opportunities
- Next City is hosting the webinar “Solutions for Rebuilding After Climate Disaster” on January 13, 2026 at 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET.
- OFN is accepting session proposals for its 2026 Small Business Finance Forum. Submissions are due February 4, 2026.
Industry News
- The SBA announced it is suspending yearly programmatic funding to Minnesota to investigate possible fraud in the PPP and EIDL programs.
- The Little Hoover Commission has issued policy recommendations for improving the state government’s grantmaking and contracting processes with nonprofits.
For Your Clients
- Small Business Majority is hosting a briefing on “Key federal policy updates for small businesses in 2026” on January 15, 2026 at 12:00pm PT / 1:00pm ET
- Eligible small business owners across the U.S. can apply for $20,000 grants through the new Amex Shop Small Grants Program in partnership with Main Street America. The deadline to apply is January 16, 2026.
Other Goodies
- Take Action: The House is set to vote on a 3-year extension of the ACA subsidies tonight. Contact your U.S. House representatives to urge them to vote YES.
- Jobs: Pacific Community Ventures, The Center for Community Wealth, and National Consumer Law Center announced new jobs recently. See who else is hiring!