Community Economic Development Fund

08/31/2026

We are excited to announce that Celeste Tapia, CEDF's Community Outreach Officer, will be a panelist on Funding Your Business: Access to capital and growth opportunities.

Connect, learn, and grow at the CRECER Expo Connecticut 2026.

Hosted by Hispanic Federation, this event brings together Latino entrepreneurs, business leaders, lenders, community partners, and organizations for a day focused on business growth, resources, and meaningful connections.

📅 Tuesday, September 1, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Business Expo & Panel Discussions
⏰ 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Networking Reception
📍 Hartford Marriott Downtown
200 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT

Attendees can expect panel discussions, exhibitors, business resources, networking opportunities, giveaways, and more.

Admission is free. Register today and take advantage of an opportunity to connect with Connecticut’s growing business community.

08/31/2026

Thinking about financing your small business but not sure where to start?

Join CEDF’s Frederick Welk for a free in-person seminar covering the fundamentals of small business financing and how to better prepare for the funding process.

Free to attend, but registration is required.
🔗 Register here: https://www.cedf.com/training/2026/09/30/how-to-finance-your-small-business-4/

08/24/2026

Black Business Month is more than a celebration—it's a reminder that entrepreneurs deserve opportunities to learn, grow and succeed throughout the year.

CEDF remains committed to supporting Connecticut's small businesses through financing, business education and expert guidance every step of the way.

Here's to the entrepreneurs who are building brighter futures for themselves, their families and their communities.

08/21/2026

📺 CEDF Featured on The Analeh Show

CEDF was proud to be featured on Telemundo ’s The Analeh Show for a conversation about the realities of starting and growing a business.

CEDF Director of Lending Ricardo Vidal and Community Outreach Officer Celeste Tapia joined Moraima Gutierrez with the U.S. Small Business Administration to share financing and business guidance, while CEDF customer Dulce De Leche Bakery in Stratford shared their inspiring story and how CEDF financing, education and support have helped their business grow.

▶️ Watch the full show: https://youtu.be/ccY7wEMva7w?si=_e_Vi6pO8oP8d7dP

08/20/2026

In recognition of National Nonprofit Day, CEDF Vice President & CFO Karen Maciorowski joined For the People to discuss how CEDF helps Connecticut nonprofits and small businesses access the financing, guidance and resources they need to grow and strengthen their impact.

The program also features CEDF customer Takiya Green of Divine Strategic Solutions , sharing insights on building stronger, more sustainable nonprofit organizations.

🎧 Listen to the interview: https://audioboom.com/posts/8939422-stamford-downtown-special-report-national-nonprofit-day-pt-1-cedf-pt-2-divine-strategic-so

WPLR 99.1 New Haven / STAR 99.9 FM / WEBE108 / WICC600

08/19/2026

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

08/18/2026

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/

08/17/2026

Black-owned businesses contribute to every industry—from retail and restaurants to manufacturing, technology, healthcare and professional services.

This Black Business Month, we celebrate the innovation, resilience and leadership of entrepreneurs whose businesses strengthen Connecticut's economy and communities every day.

Thank you to the business owners whose vision and dedication continue to inspire others.

08/15/2026

📺 CEDF is on TV this Saturday!

Tune in to El Show de Analeh today, 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

08/14/2026

🎙️ 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