In this Must Know…
- Upcoming CAMEO Network Trainings
- Gov. Funding Bill Heads to Senate
- Report: AI, Freelancing, and the Future of Small Business Work
- CAMEO in the News: CEO Carolina Martinez was interviewed on CBS News LA about the impact of new rounds of tariffs on small businesses and the economy.
- CAMEO Network is hiring a Finance Manager.
- This week’s Goodie Highlight is this video about Merchant Cash Advances by More Perfect Union to learn why passing AB 2116 is so important.
Upcoming CAMEO Network Trainings
Strengthen your impact and build new skills with our upcoming training opportunities:
- August 11 – Applying a Racial Equity Lens to Climate Lending
- August 25 and September 1 – AI for CDFIs: From Strategy to Implementation
- August 27 – Board Essentials: Strong Governance for CDFIs
- October 5-9 – Microlending Essentials
Gov. Funding Bill Heads to Senate
Last week, the U.S. House voted to pass a Continuing Resolution to fund the government until December 4. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to pass. Senate Majority Leader Thune plans to bring it to a vote before the August 6 recess, though no date has been set. The current continuing resolution expires on September 30, which would result in a government shutdown if the bill doesn’t pass the Senate.
For more updates on federal policy that affects nonprofits, read Independent Sector’s DC Download blog.
Report: AI, Freelancing, and the Future of Small Business Work
Upwork’s Future Workforce Index 2026 highlights how AI is reshaping work and what it means for small business owners. For those hiring freelancers, the greatest value is shifting toward professionals who can combine AI tools with expertise and judgment to deliver business results. For small business owners who freelance themselves, the opportunity lies in developing higher-value, AI-augmented services. Businesses that adapt quickly to these workforce shifts may gain a competitive edge.
2026 Conference: Collective Power in Action
| Did You Know? More than 100 years before becoming the home of our 2026 Conference, Hayes Mansion in San Jose was the centerpiece of a 239-acre estate. |
| The estate functioned as its own small community, complete with a power plant, post office, railroad stop, chapel, and housing for ranch workers. Today, Hayes Mansion remains a place that brings people together. We’re excited to continue this tradition of community on November 16-18! Register here to join us in San Jose. CAMEO members receive a discount on registration. To receive the member discount code, email Sandra Flores. |
The Goodies
Member News
- Congratulations to First Community Capital on their CDFI Recertification status! Have any good news to share? Let us know!
- The NorCal SBDC launched two RFPs (one for an Area Host, and one for a Neighborhood Branch) as well as an RFQ for Business Advisors.
New Resources
- AB 2116 will be heard in Senate Appropriations on Monday. Watch this video by More Perfect Union to learn why it’s so important to regulate MCAs.
- Read Industry Week‘s recent article, “Regional Manufacturing Networks Need More Visibility.”
Funding Opportunities
- Applications are open for SBA’s PRIME grant. The deadline is August 12, 2026.
- The Commerce Department announced a grant opportunity for organizations to advance small and medium-sized manufacturers. Applications are due August 21, 2026.
Other Goodies
- Take Action: The Federal Reserve’s Community Conditions Survey asks organizations about changing economic conditions in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities.
- Jobs: Public Counsel, LA Más, and Pacific Community Ventures announced new jobs recently. See who else is hiring!