Adela Cepeda

ICYMI: OFN released new research publications that explore how funding and investment move through OFN member loan funds into rural, urban, and Native communities. 1. CDFI Fund Financial Assistance Awards and OFN Member Loan Funds: An initial FA Award strengthens balance sheets, enhances leverage, and increases lending in rural, urban, and Native communities. 2. Capitalization Trends (2019–2023): Member loan funds grew and diversified sources of capital despite unprecedented conditions, though smaller and more rural members faced barriers accessing institutional capital. 3. Sector Lending Trends (2019–2023): Across sectors, member loan funds increased lending during the pandemic and built a strong foundation for continued investment. Together, these research publications highlight trends and outcomes among OFN’s membership. Take a deeper dive: https://lnkd.in/eDG9MuWf #CDFIResearch #CommunityFinance #OpportunityForAll

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This just in 🎉 HIAS Economic Advancement Fund (EAF) has been officially certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, a program of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. With this designation, we join a national network of certified CDFIs working to expand economic opportunity, strengthen small businesses, and build resilient local economies across the U.S. “This certification marks a major milestone in EAF’s evolution from a start-up loan fund to a federally recognized community development lender,” said Phillip Bailey, Executive Director. “It affirms the strength of our model and positions us to scale our impact, expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs long excluded from traditional finance.” Read the full statement: https://lnkd.in/eindcVj6

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Attention Investment Managers: The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) is requesting proposals from open-ended diversified core and core plus infrastructure equity funds. Learn more about the #RFP here: https://bit.ly/3LMKHvo

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As a board member of the National Small Business Association, I’m encouraged to see momentum building around the SPARK Act led by Ed Markey, legislation focused on expanding access to capital and real business support for entrepreneurs. Across the country we’re seeing more people start businesses than ever before… but many are still starting without the capital, infrastructure, or networks needed to survive. The result: lower revenues, fewer employees, and shorter lifespans, not because the ideas aren’t strong, but because the ecosystem isn’t built for them. Policy matters here. When we strengthen entrepreneurial development AND financing together, we don’t just create businesses, we create local employers, neighborhood stability, and generational opportunity. From what I see every day ESO Ventures working with entrepreneurs, access to capital alone isn’t enough. Access + preparation + trusted support = outcomes. Glad to see this conversation moving forward nationally. Small businesses are not a niche issue, they’re economic infrastructure. #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #AccessToCapital #EconomicOpportunity #BuildWhereYouAre

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Being a Community Development Financial Institution is not just a designation for us. It is a commitment to how economic opportunity should function in practice. CDFIs exist to expand access where traditional financial systems fall short. The role is not only to provide capital, but to remain accountable to the communities served and to make decisions grounded in real conditions, not abstractions. At Ascendus, this commitment is guided by a clear vision of #FinancialAscension for all. We support low- to moderate-income small business owners through #AccessToCapital and financial education, recognizing that durable outcomes require both resources and understanding. Pairing flexible financing with guidance strengthens businesses, supports job creation, and reinforces local economies. That is the impact we see every day through our work. As a CDFI, our work centers on trust, accountability, and access, supporting entrepreneurs as they move This Way Up. Learn more about how CDFIs create impact nationwide: https://bit.ly/43kkwlA ​ #Ascendus #AccessToCapital #SmallBusinessSupport

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The rules of working capital are changing. More treasury teams are moving beyond single-bank funding and rigid SCF programs, recognizing the need for greater flexibility and resilience. Hear more from John Stevens as he explains how hybrid programs are becoming the new standard: https://lnkd.in/eYQCTvcJ ✅ Seamlessly blend bank funding with your own liquidity ✅ Onboard more suppliers, in more markets, with less friction ✅ Keep your capital strategy agile—no matter what comes next It’s not about “bank vs. corporate.” It’s about building strong partnerships and putting control where it belongs: in your hands.

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Ultimus Fund Solutions® (“Ultimus” or the “Company”), a leading independent provider of innovative fund servicing solutions, announced the appointments of industry veterans John Lehner as President, Ultimus Public Fund Solutions, and Jay Martin as President, Ultimus Private Fund Solutions. In conjunction with the new hires, Jim Cass will transition to Vice Chairman of Ultimus, having previously served as President, Ultimus Private Fund Solutions. All three roles report to CEO Gary Tenkman. https://lnkd.in/edpxrkkH

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