Small Business

Cheryl Thomas, founder of C's Daycare
By Kierra Karemani
Banks partner with a community non-profit to help a small business owner upgrade and expand her child care facility.
Entrepreneur stands outside holding open sign
By Dell Gines
Corporate diversity programs often talk about helping people "get invited to the party and also dance." However, entrepreneurs want to "start their own parties" and equitably. Here's how communities can support them.
Aquatic Therapy of Chinatown, Philadelphia, PA
By Kierra Karemani
CDFI helps two business owners in Philadelphia's Chinatown find a lifeline, and a partner, right in their own backyard.
Connecting Communities
By Fed Communities Staff
When COVID-19 hit the US, it became clear that millions of Americans and small businesses were disconnected from the banking system. This Connecting Communities webinar covers partnerships and programs created to help fill the capital void for the small businesses struggling most. Watch on demand.
2021 CDFI Survey Key Findings
By Surekha Carpenter, Alexander Nikolov, Stephanie Norris, Alison Shott
From March 22 through May 14, 2021, the Federal Reserve fielded the 2021 CDFI Survey. Here's what 345 CDFIs said about their financial well-being throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, operational gaps and challenges, and effects on clients and communities they serve.
Woman at her work desk with basketball
By Dell Gines
Like basketball players, entrepreneurs need a strong system of support to maximize their potential. Here are the six parts of a healthy entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Masked man sits outside closed business
By Fed Communities Staff
Minority small-business owners and community lenders joined us for a virtual event to discuss where they are at this stage of the pandemic, what they need going forward, and who can and should help. Watch on demand.
2021 CDFI Survey
By Christy Cleare
The Federal Reserve wants to hear about challenges facing Community Development Financial Institutions to help inform policy recommendations and programs. Take the 2021 CDFI survey March 22 – April 23, 2021.
Philadelphia Chinatown Gates
By Michelle Park Lazette
When the COVID-19 pandemic spread here, the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation used Paycheck Protection Program money to help residents and businesses. More support will be necessary.
Assisted Living
By Benjamin Horowitz
"Customers told us, 'You saved our businesses. You saved jobs. We wouldn't have made it if you guys weren't here and didn't walk us through this.'"