Community Economic Development Fund

🎙️ Tune in this Sunday!
CEDF’s Karen Maciorowski, VP & CFO, and Takiya Green, Director of Strategic Development at Divine Strategic Solutions, join host John Voket on For the People for a conversation highlighting Connecticut nonprofits ahead of National Nonprofit Day.

Karen discusses how CEDF supports nonprofits through flexible financing, education and guidance, while Takiya shares how strong leadership, strategic planning and capacity building can help nonprofits become more sustainable and competitive for funding.

🎧 Listen to For the People: For the People podcast
The program airs across Connoisseur Media Connecticut stations, including 94.3 WYBC, 99.1 PLR, Star 99.9, WEBE108 and WICC 600AM/95.9FM.

WPLR 99.1 New Haven STAR 99.9 FM WEBE108 WICC600

📺 CEDF is on TV this Saturday!

Tune in to El Show de Analeh Saturday, August 15 at 11:00 a.m. for a conversation about the realities and strategies of owning a business and the resources available to help Connecticut businesses succeed.

CEDF’s Ricardo Vidal, Director of Lending, and Celeste Tapia, Community Outreach Officer, join Moraima Gutierrez, Deputy District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration , and CEDF customer Dulce de Leche Cafe for the conversation.

📺 Watch Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
El Show de Analeh: analehtvshow.com

Digital Marketing Mastermind
This 9-week hybrid program helps entrepreneurs build a results-driven marketing strategy, create compelling content, attract more customers, and grow their business with confidence.

Participants are also eligible for a $500 matching grant upon successful completion.

Info Session:
• Thursday, August 20th, 12-1 pm
Register here for both! https://www.resetco.org/events
Application Deadline: Friday, August 28,2026

Congratulations to CEDF's new customer on their grand opening!

Get ready for our Grand Opening next Saturday, August 15th!
We'll be open from 8 AM to 3 PM, serving our delicious menu all day until sold out. And after 12 PM, prepare for burgers, stuffed breads, baked good samples, and celebratory drinks! We can't wait to see you❤️

Every small business has a ripple effect.

They create jobs, provide valuable services, support local organizations and help neighborhoods flourish.

During Black Business Month, we encourage everyone to support Black-owned businesses by shopping locally, sharing their businesses on social media and recommending them to friends and family.

Together, small actions can make a meaningful difference.

Your customers are online—is your business ready? Learn how to choose the right eCommerce platform, accept online payments, manage inventory, and stay visible in the age of AI shopping. Register for CEDF's free live webinar: https://www.cedf.com/training/2026/09/10/ecommerce-101-how-your-existing-business-can-sell-online/

August is National Black Business Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the innovation, resilience and achievements of Black entrepreneurs who strengthen our communities every day.

Established in 2004, Black Business Month shines a spotlight on the contributions of Black-owned businesses and the importance of expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs to start, grow and succeed.

Join us this month as we celebrate the entrepreneurs helping Connecticut's communities thrive.