LEAF, Local Enterprise Assistance Fund

Dr. Chris Clamp has spent her career showing what's possible. What's possible in communities when workers build the solutions, own their workplace, and form a cooperative. Chris Clamp spent decades highlighting the little-known worker-ownership model. And through their success, Chris has helped demonstrate the value of cooperatives to our economy and communities. Cooperative Hall of Famer and Chair of the LEAF Board of Directors, Chris Clamp, we are grateful for your leadership. Photo: Cooperative Hall of Fame Induction 2024, Cooperative Development Foundation, Washington DC. #coopeconomy #cooperative #workercoop Southern New Hampshire University MONDRAGON Ventures National Cooperative Bank Cooperative Development Foundation

We are fortunate to have Gerardo Espinoza as Director. Fun Fact: Gerardo is originally from Peru, and here with our faithful colleague. #hispanicheritage #Boston #communityloanfund

Thanks Fatiha for representing LEAF & Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The photo accompanies our last post, LEAF's Chris Hunter, 3rd from the left, spoke on a panel about supplier diversity in higher education organized by Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Symposium at Northeastern University with Aliesha J. Porcena, MPP and Darrell Byers. #smallbiz #upliftprocure #elevatesmallbiz

LEAF's own Chris Hunter on a panel at the 3rd annual supplier diversity forum hosted by the Northeastern Lab for Inclusive Entrepreneurship. Chris, overflowing with wisdom, intelligence and the hard work, getting it done. #smallbusiness #boston #communityloanfund

Housing Cooperatives help turn housing from crisis to community stability anywhere. LEAF invites those looking for solutions to housing to go deeper with us, supporting housing cooperatives and Community Land Trusts. #housingcoops #communitylandtrust #bloomington

A look at LEAF's Labor Origins. LEAF learns from the legend, Cesar Chavez, and Cesar Chavez learns from LEAF: https://lnkd.in/ejMU5Vhc #laborday #coopeconomy #communitybased

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 28, 2024 Allston, MA – LEAF announced today it has received a grant from The Boston Foundation to help close the wealth gap in Boston. “This grant will allow us to support underserved businesses across the state,” Gerardo Espinoza, LEAF Director, said today. “We look forward to building on our record of providing technical assistance, procurement, and financing solutions for small businesses in the communities who need it most."  LEAF was founded in 1977 to grow community economic opportunity and provide economic stability. "What makes LEAF's work so vital isn't just that it provides needed financing to small business owners, but that it weaves together networks, support and knowledge to meet owners where they are," said Orlando Watkins, Vice President and Chief Program Officer at the Boston Foundation. "Our research shows that investment capital is critical, but it is not enough. Coupling that capital with impactful, culturally connected networks and information as LEAF does enhances that impact exponentially. We are proud to partner with LEAF in this work.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eFXMtD5a

LEAF's Director of Advisory Services, Chris Hunter, right, was part of the Interise Inaugural Equity Contractor Training Program sponsored by Honeywell. Chris's expertise, as an analyst and coach, hits a sweet spot as he helps build the pipeline of certified small businesses to take on big contracts and leave lasting impacts. #communityloanfund #advisoryservices #elevatesmallbusiness

LEAF is fortunate to have Gerardo Espinoza as our executive director. Here he shares about LEAF and our coop community for food coops. The message? We are part of a network here to support you! #coopeconomy #communityloans #cooperative #healthyfood https://lnkd.in/eYB6WyMP