WEDI (Westminster Economic Development Initiative)

Congratulations to WEDI’s Employee of the Month-Relationship Manager Diane Lopes! Diane has a decade of experience in the financial sector and most recently, she was a managing partner for a bank correspondent specializing in personal loans. Diane started with WEDI in July, and she hit the ground running. Since she began, Diane has: • worked with 77 business owners to provide business support services • spent over 130 hours directly working with loan applicants and borrowers • promoted the accessibility of our program by attending outreach events and improving our enrollment process In her spare time, she enjoys crafting and currently, she is learning how to make jewelry and keychains using resin. She also loves coffee and baking Brazilian desserts. Thank you Diane for all your hard work. We are glad to have you on our team! #employeeofthemonth #dedicated #teamplayer #gratitude

What is a CDFI and Why Does It Matter? Ever heard the term CDFI and wondered what it means? A Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is a financial organization dedicated to providing affordable loans and financial services to underserved communities, especially those who can’t access traditional banks. 💼 At WEDI, being a CDFI means we can offer small business owners fair financing, financial coaching, and other resources to help them build successful, sustainable businesses. We're proud to be part of a network that supports economic growth for everyone! 🌱 Learn more about how WEDI and other CDFIs can help entrepreneurs access the resources they need to succeed. #CDFI #FinancialInclusion #SmallBusinessSupport #WEDIMicroloans

This week, members of WEDI’s Economic Development team attended the 2024 EAC Annual Conference held in Niagara Falls. As part of a grant awarded from Empire State Development, WEDI was recently named one of New York State's 26 Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers (EAC). EACs provide intensive technical assistance to early-stage business owners through workshops, one-on-one coaching, and programs focused on developing essential skills for success. Pictured left to right are Lou Hall (Economic Development Director), Hope Rwigamba (Senior Relationship Manager), Diane Lopes (Relationship Manager), Francesca Gentilcore (Relationship Manager), and Sreeja Muppidi (Underwriter). #economicdevelopment #learning #Partnerships #workconference

From Microloans to Bigger Capital with WEDI! Dreaming bigger? WEDI is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that partners with organizations like Pursuit and PathStone to help businesses access larger loans when they are ready to expand. It’s all about building a bridge to sustainable, long-term growth! 🌱 Let WEDI be your partner in growth. Still have questions? Please contact Economic Development Director Lou Hall at (716) 393-2860 or LHall@wedibuffalo.org. #GrowthMindset #SmallBizGrowth #CommunitySupport

Avoid the Pitfalls of Predatory Lending! Did you know many small business owners turn to high-interest, predatory lenders when they can't access traditional loans? These lenders often prey on those with bad credit or no credit history, leading to cycles of debt and business failure. WEDI offers fair and flexible microloans to help entrepreneurs break free from these predatory practices. Learn more about how WEDI Microloans can help you grow your business debt-free. https://lnkd.in/d2p5KHX #SupportSmallBusiness #FairLending #Entrepreneurship #WEDImicroloans

Yesterday, WEDI held a Minority and Woman-owned Business (MWBE) Certification workshop led by Lyndsay Michael, a MWBE specialist from the Small Business Legal Clinic. Attendees learned how to get started and the process of becoming MWBE certified to take their business to the next level. We thank Lyndsay for sharing her time and expertise with the attendees and we wish them the best of luck as they work toward getting this certification. Did you know: New York State is home to the highest minority and woman-owned business utilization rate in the country. Diversity plays a crucial role in driving business success in New York. Information on our next workshop is coming soon. You may find upcoming workshops at https://lnkd.in/gxz-Fg_w #minorityownedbusiness #womanownedbusiness #mwbecertified #mwbe #SupportSmallBusiness #workshop

🌟 Celebrating Springboard NY Round One Winners! 🌟 We are delighted to announce that the University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership is a proud Round One Winner of Springboard NY! 🏆 This prestigious recognition includes $25,000 for the Emerging Entrepreneurs Coaching Launchpad. This series of group coaching sessions offers a comprehensive learning experience to entrepreneurs who are at the beginning of their business journey. 🚀📚 Congratulations to the University at Buffalo Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership for this incredible achievement! This initiative will empower emerging entrepreneurs and pave the way for their future success. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting program. Let's continue to support and celebrate our community's entrepreneurial spirit! #SpringboardNY #UBCEL #EmergingEntrepreneurs #Entrepreneurship #CommunitySuccess #BusinessGrowth #SupportLocal

🌟 Celebrating Springboard NY Round One Winners! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce that The Good Neighbor Fund is a proud Round One Winner of Springboard NY! 🏆 This esteemed recognition includes $25,000 for the Good Neighbor Fund Micro-Grant Program. This funding will expand their current micro-grant program, enhance entrepreneurial support, and boost community events. 🌟🌍 Congratulations to The Good Neighbor Fund for this outstanding achievement! This funding will empower more local entrepreneurs and foster a stronger, more connected community. Stay tuned for more updates on their inspiring journey. Let's continue to support and celebrate our community's growth and success! #SpringboardNY #GoodNeighborFund #MicroGrants #CommunitySupport #Entrepreneurship #CommunityEvents #LocalSuccess https://lnkd.in/grcQc5tb

Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses: Looking to get MWBE certified? Join us next Wednesday, August 28 from 12 - 1 pm at the West Side Bazaar and learn how to earn it! This free WEDI workshop will be led by MWBE specialist Lyndsay Michael from the Small Business Legal Clinic of Buffalo. Don't miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level! The workshop will be held on the second floor of the West Side Bazaar in its Learning Lab. Free parking is provided by WEDI in the lot across the street (the parking lot address is 1455 Niagara Street). Space is limited and registration is required. Register today at https://lnkd.in/gNNigYhZ #minoritybusiness #womanownedbusiness #mwbecertified #mwbe

🌟 Celebrating Springboard NY Round One Winners! 🌟 We are excited to announce that That Brown Bag is a proud Round One Winner of Springboard NY! 🏆 With this honor comes $15,000 in funding for the Minority Business Directory Digital Subscription Project. This initiative will create a subscription-based service that grants large companies access to the directory database, facilitating direct connections between diverse suppliers and consumers. 🌐💼 Congratulations to That Brown Bag for this remarkable achievement! This project will significantly enhance opportunities for minority-owned businesses and foster stronger community connections. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking project. Let's continue to support and celebrate our diverse and dynamic business community! #SpringboardNY #ThatBrownBag #MinorityBusiness #CommunitySuccess #DiversityInBusiness #SupportLocal https://lnkd.in/gNEQ8hrH