SBDC-OC staff attend 2022 OFN Network in New York City — Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County

Our staff had an incredible time in New York City learning and networking at the OFN Conference, the largest conference for CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions), and the entities that fund them. So much information was shared during this event, particularly on racial equity and the community impact a CDFI provides. Our staff picked up on how DEI intersects with racial gaps and wealth building. One of our notable highlights of the conference came via a conversation with Toni How, Corporate Controller for Nextdoor. On tour to the Bronx, our staff comprehended how the Finance Justice movement, initiated by Google and Twitter, led Nextdoor to enter into a credit agreement to lend OFN up to $15 million over the next two years. OFN will use this investment to make affordable loans to CDFIs to fund small businesses, housing, and other eligible community projects.