South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development

Don't miss out! Join us on Thursday, March 27 for our Community Wealth Building 101, an essential virtual training designed to introduce CDCs, CDFIs, and Small & Minority Businesses to the powerful economic framework of Community Wealth Building (CWB). 📌 What You'll Learn: ✔ The core principles of democratic ownership and pre-distribution of wealth in low-income communities ✔ How CWB can transform local economies, creating sustainable wealth and reducing dependency on external funding ✔ Why CWB is a bipartisan economic development strategy that aligns with both progressive and conservative policy goals 📅 Date: March 27, 2025 🕒 Time: 10am 📍 Location: Zoom Click here to register: https://bit.ly/4kuS47p

South Carolina Community Loan Fund's (SCCLF) LEAP Applications Are NOW OPEN! Ready to transform your small business? The Local Entrepreneur Acceleration Program (LEAP) is here to help! LEAP empowers minority and women entrepreneurs in South Carolina by providing: ✅ Intensive 10-week business development training: Refine your business plan and gain essential skills. ✅ Access to expert guidance: Learn from industry professionals and successful entrepreneurs. ✅ Opportunity for seed capital awards: Compete for funding to fuel your growth ($5,000, $10,000, or $30,000). ✅ Networking and community support: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and build valuable relationships. Don't miss this chance to take your business to the next level! Apply now and invest in your future. https://lnkd.in/eQ_fyu_K

Don't miss your chance to register! Tomorrow we're hosting a free Certification Information Session designed to guide CDCs and CDFIs through the SC Commerce Certification and Recertification Process! 📌 What You'll Learn: ✔ Step-by-step guidance on the certification and recertification application ✔ Overview of the assessment and review process ✔ How certification opens access to the Community Development (CD) Tax Credit and Community Economic Development (CED) Fund Program 📅 Date: March 13, 2025 🕒 Time: 10 am 📍 Location: Zoom Why Attend? Certification with SC Commerce unlocks funding opportunities that empower CDCs and CDFIs to drive impactful community and economic development initiatives. Click here to register: https://bit.ly/4ksnmvy

🏘️Today is the National Day of Action to protect HUD and affordable housing! The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is at risk of having its workforce recklessly cut by 50% with deep cuts to offices nationwide! HUD programs and funding are at great risk, and sweeping cuts to HUD staff and programs will damage our communities and escalate the affordable housing crisis. #DidYouKnow that 123,430 South Carolinians are supported by federal housing programs? Help stop drastic cuts to HUD and affordable housing by telling Congress how these funding cuts will hurt your community and your local economy! Here are 4 easy things you can do today: https://lnkd.in/gy6iTTQY 📣 Spread the word by sharing this post! Let's make sure Congress knows how essential HUD is to our communities!

BIG NEWS! Because of the tireless advocacy of so many on behalf of the community economic development industry, House Bill 4164 (H.4164) was introduced into the SC House of Representatives yesterday, March 6! The bill now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee. H.4164 reauthorizes the Community Development Tax Credits (CD Tax Credits) with $3 million annually for the next five years! This is excellent news for certified community development organizations who are providing access to: ✅affordable rental and homeownership ✅small business lending and technical assistance ✅workforce development ✅financial literacy ✅home repair and preservation Now it's important for you to voice your support of the CD Tax Credits to the House Ways and Means Committee! To find a committee member near you and find out how you can voice your support to them, click here: https://bit.ly/3FnBar5

Several SCACED members and partners have current job openings this month. Northside Development Group is seeking a Chief Executive Officer. Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Upstate is seeking a Lending Program Officer. South Carolina Legal Services is seeking a Bilingual Attorney. View these job descriptions and more on our job board here: https://bit.ly/3l2V9i1

Is your organization looking to become a certified Community Development Corporation (CDC) or Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)? If so, join us for a free Certification Information Session designed to guide CDCs and CDFIs through the SC Commerce Certification and Recertification Process! 📌 What You'll Learn: ✔ Step-by-step guidance on the certification and recertification application ✔ Overview of the assessment and review process ✔ How certification opens access to the Community Development (CD) Tax Credit and Community Economic Development (CED) Fund Program 📅 Date: March 13, 2025 🕒 Time: 10 am 📍 Location: Zoom Why Attend? Certification with SC Commerce unlocks funding opportunities that empower CDCs and CDFIs to drive impactful community and economic development initiatives. Click here to register: https://bit.ly/4ksnmvy

SCACED Member Spotlight🌟: Grace Impact Development Center's (GIDC) Jefferson Mobile Welding Lab program was launched in May 2023 by developing a retrofitted conex container into a mobile welding training unit. Supported by SCACED's Community Impact Fund (CIF) grant program with a $7,500 award in 2023, the unit has four welding stations as part of a workforce development program led by retired master welders. The program was recently featured in WRDW/WAGT News 12 26 for its contribution to South Carolina nation's-lowest recidivism rate of 17.1%! The five-month program teaches students the basics of MIG and stick welding and culminates with certificated with one of GIDC's welding industry partners. Click here to read the full article! https://bit.ly/3QDlXob

Looking for free resources for your small business? Check out the Business Success Center's free, virtual webinar series covering a range of topics related to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners. All webinars are held from 12:00 - 1:00PM. Check out the upcoming schedule below and click the link to register! March 5 - ECCO's Asset Development Program Highlights & Benefits April 2 - How Apprenticeship Carolina supports small businesses Click here to register: https://bit.ly/3UQmWmM

🌟SC Community Development Tax Credits Spotlight: How CLIMB Fund empowers entrepreneurs through the SC Community Development Tax Credits (CD Tax Credits)! CLIMB Fund, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is dedicated to supporting small and micro businesses through accessible financing. By leveraging the CD Tax Credits, CLIMB Fund has expanded its lending capacity, helping entrepreneurs achieve their dreams—just like Cassandra Gamble. For three years, Cassandra successfully managed Blush Bridal & Formal Wear, turning around the boutique’s profitability after it struggled under previous ownership. With a CLIMB Fund loan, she was able to take the next step in her 15-year career in the fashion and bridal industry—purchasing the boutique and becoming its 100% owner. Now, as a proud business owner, Cassandra has ambitious plans for growth, including hiring four employees within the next two years. CLIMB Fund’s commitment to fostering economic opportunity through innovative funding solutions like the CD Tax Credits ensures that passionate entrepreneurs, like Cassandra, have the resources they need to succeed. By investing in local businesses. CLIMB Fund is not only fueling economic growth but also strengthening communities one business at a time! Now, we need your help to ensure entrepreneurs across the state receive the vital support they need from nonprofit lenders like CLIMB Fund. With no more CD Tax Credits available for nonprofits, we need you to reach out to your local representative and encourage them to allocate $3 million annually in CD Tax Credits for the next five years! Click this link below to find and contact your local representative and voice your support for #CEDinSC! https://bit.ly/43xpKeL