Local Investing
Local Investing Here is a great story from Mendocino County - social impact lending using a Direct Public Offering (DPO) in which an investment opportunity is offered and sold directly…
Training the Business Trainers
Using CDBG funds, the Portland Development Commission (PDC) runs a business development program for low and moderate incomes residents. To deliver services they contract with about a dozen organizations that…
Growing Businesses
I am working with growing businesses through JEDI’s Power Up Program, offering business and financial management tools. My part of the training covers the financial management tools: Analyzing the Past…
Business Lending Webinars
This month, I designed and delivered a three-part webinar series for small business community lenders in California. The goal of the series was to provide ongoing staff development and increased…
Microlending Primer
The Council of Development Finance Agencies asked me to give their membership an introductory webinar on microlending and the Do-It-Yourself economy. CDFA members are state, county and municipal development finance…
Microlending Management System
I recently helped launch three organizations in using Accion Texas' Microlending Management System, a web-based solution for business loan origination. It offers an online application, automated assessment and two-day turn…
Disruption Ahead
The SF Federal Reserve's workshop, Disruption Ahead, opened my eyes even further to the changes to small business lending driven by technology, big data and machine learning through algorithms. Each…
Opportunity Finance Network
I just returned from OFN's Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX. OFN's President, Mark Pinsky, gave an address outlining a commitment to an ambitious four-point agenda for the Certified Development…