City First Enterprises (CFE)

🎥 What happens when DC entrepreneurs stop renting and start owning? Across all eight wards, small business owners are putting down lasting roots. ▶️ Watch and hear the stories directly from these entrepreneurs. Since 2021, CFE has administered the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund (CPAF) through the investments of Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, helping DC small business owners turn dreams of ownership into reality. The impact speaks for itself: ▪️ 34 entrepreneurs now own $60 million+ in property ▪️ $55 million+ in annual revenue generated by CPAF-supported businesses ▪️ Over 600 jobs created or supported We’re grateful for the leadership and support of Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor Nina Albert, whose commitment to small businesses and economic growth in DC makes this work possible.  

A $2 million CFE loan is helping bring a new skilled nursing facility to Ward 7, DC. The project will deliver 23 beds, create and support 20 jobs, and increase access to much-needed care in a community facing a shortage of these services. By expanding local care options, this investment supports aging in place and helps prevent displacement that can occur when essential services are out of reach. It also strengthens the local economy through job creation and expanded health services. Congrats to Jorge A. Zambrano , Jonathan Reyes, and the entire CFE team for making this happen!

CDFI Friendly America recently hosted a webinar, "CDFIs at a Crossroad: Taking Stock & Taking Action," that examined the critical choices facing community development financial institutions (CDFIs) amid significant industry change. Panelists Oswaldo Acosta of CityFirst Enterprises, Aaron Seybert of Kresge's Social Investment Practice, Diane Yentel of the National Council of Nonprofits and moderator Mark Pinsky of CDFI Friendly America explored cross-sector perspectives on threats and opportunities that will shape CDFIs for the next decade. #CDFIs #communitydevelopment Watch the webinar: https://lnkd.in/gkRq5ypa

“If subsidies don’t return to prior levels—a very real possibility—would our institutions still exist in five years, and in what form?” This question, posed by our CEO Oswaldo Acosta during last week’s event on the future of CDFIs, sparked a candid and energizing conversation among the 600+ leaders who joined. What stood out most was the shared recognition that we are entering a different operating environment, and the willingness across the field to engage honestly with what it will take not just to sustain our institutions, but to thrive with purpose and durability in this next chapter. We’re grateful to CDFI Friendly America and Mark Pinsky for convening this important series, and to panelists Aaron Seybert and Diane Yentel for a thoughtful, forward-looking discussion. We look forward to continuing the conversation together.

📢 We’re Hiring: Senior Accountant City First Enterprises (CFE) is looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative Senior Accountant to support our day-to-day accounting operations and help strengthen our financial processes. Come grow with a mission-driven organization making a real impact! 📍 Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid - not fully remote) 🔗 Learn more & apply: https://lnkd.in/eyqJYAw6

Last chance to register for the 1st The Future of CDFIs virtual event! Start the new year with this important conversation for the #CDFI industry. CDFIs at a Crossroad: Taking Stock & Taking Action will feature Aaron Seybert, Oswaldo Acosta, and Diane Yentel, moderated by Mark Pinsky. Join us on the 7th at 2PM ET (11AM PT). RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eVgxvzq4

The first "The Future of CDFIs" virtual event is 16 days away. Since we announced this series one week ago, 500+ people have already registered! On January 7th at 2PM ET (11AM PT), join Mark Pinsky and leading philanthropy, nonprofit, and CDFI experts for a conversation about where the #CDFI industry stands and what strategic choices will shape the years ahead. January 7th will kick off this new series of virtual events where industry professionals and their allies can gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities CDFIs are facing. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eVgxvzq4 Aaron Seybert Oswaldo Acosta Diane Yentel The Kresge Foundation National Council of Nonprofits City First Enterprises (CFE)