News & Updates

Staff Column by Chief Economic Development Officer, Evette Banfield

During Small Business Month, there’s no shortage of celebration for entrepreneurs and local businesses and rightfully so. Small businesses are the economic heartbeat of The District of Columbia. They create jobs, activate corridors, build community identity, and generate pathways to economic mobility. But too often, conversations about supporting small businesses focus only on the business owners themselves, without examining the ecosystem surrounding them.

We are proud to share our 2025 Impact report, charting our journey throughout the year. From the ups to the pivots to the deep systemic impact, we were honored to serve as a beacon to community organizations, local leaders, and District residents.

A reflection on resilience, renewal, and the shared determination to keep serving D.C. communities.

Staff Column by Coalition President and CEO, Stephen Glaude

In the wake of this year’s Beyond Barriers Conference, I’ve found myself returning again and again to the question Bakari Sellers posed to all of us: “Where do we go from here?”

Staff Column by Senior Director of the DC Community Anchor Partnership, Phil Berkaw

When you hear the word “sustainability”, what comes to mind? Bold government policies? Large corporations greening their supply chains? Taking fewer flights? Each of these plays an important role in moving toward a more sustainable future. However, one community that is frequently overlooked in the conversation is small businesses.

What one week at Harvard taught me about leading through uncertainty

Staff Column by Coalition President and CEO, Stephen Glaude

For one week I joined 159 nonprofit leaders from across the globe. They represented organizations working in housing, childcare, small business development, environmental justice, adoption, and so many other critical areas. To be in the room with them was both humbling and inspiring. Each of us carried stories of challenge and resilience, and together we reflected on how leaders make choices in moments of opportunity and crisis.

Keep the Faith: Why Our Work in Community Economic Development Matters More Than Ever

Staff Column by Coalition President and CEO, Stephen Glaude

In times like these—when the path forward feels uncertain, when resources are scarce when rhetoric overshadows results—we must be the torchbearers. More than anything, we must keep the faith.

The White House has issued an Executive Order, effective at 5 PM today, January 28, 2025, directing all federal agencies to temporarily pause activities related to the obligation or disbursement of federal financial assistance. Here’s what we know.