Featured content

How to say yes, no, and maybe at work

To avoid burnout in today’s workplace, you have to be savvy about which projects you accept and...

Why Small Business Loan Applications Fail — And How to Improve Your Chances

Applying for a small business loan can feel overwhelming. But understanding why loan applications fail is one...

Small Business As Usual 21-3 — fiscal fitness

Everyone knows how important it is to have enough financial information to make wise decisions. It would...

Does 1 + 1 equal more than 2 ?

The work, worry, and sacrifices required of those going into business is not much of a secret....

Replays of recorded presentations

Informative CEDF webinars and recorded seminars you may have missed

Build a winning business plan

This 21 minute presentation will provide you with an overview of what a narrative business plan should include.

Prepare for CT labor law changes

Sweeping labor law changes were passed in the recent legislative session that small business owners need to become compliant with by this fall. Among...

Use AI to strengthen your small business marketing voice

Small business owners have something national brands can’t replicate -- authentic relationships, community trust, and personal stories. Yet many struggle to create consistent social...

AI for small business — opportunity and risks

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just for big tech—it’s already shaping how small businesses market, operate, and grow. But along with new opportunities come...

Build a courageous culture for small business success

Company culture is not about trendy perks, free cappuccinos, dogs in the office, or unlimited vacation policies. For small businesses operating within real-world budgets...

Understand your lease, cover your assets

Small businesses that require office space, retail storefronts, warehouses or workshops typically sign leases to occupy the property. If the business owners are only...

Articles

Small Business Chalkboard -- Articles to help plan and operate your enterprise

Training process

How to create a shareable job aid

The number one most effective form of shareable job aid I have seen is the humble checklist. It’s a simple but powerful tool used...
interuptions

Transform work interruptions into opportunities

If you’re wondering whether interruptions from colleagues have disappeared during the COVID-19 pandemic, rest assured, they have not. Ask just about anyone—those side conversations...

Small Business As Usual podcasts

The art of operating small enterprises and the issues faced by the owners

Deep Dive — How & Why Successful Nonprofits Borrow Money

Find out why nonprofits with $500K+ recurring revenue can and should use debt capital from CDFIs (like CEDF) to bridge funding gaps and manage...

Deep Dive — Starting Your New Business Right

Making a successful start of a new business requires not only creativity and hustle but a certain discipline to do things the right way....

Deep Dive –Ten Principles for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Thanks to our free enterprise system, it’s still relatively easy to accumulate at least a small amount of capital to launch a venture. And...

Deep Dive — Entrepreneurs Checklist for Raising Capital

Learn how small businesses typically get funded, and the seven most important concepts to have locked down to know you are prepared to take...

Deep Dive — Can I Get that Business Loan

This podcast episode is based on CEDF’s Ready for Business Success course and applies to borrowing from a bank or a community lender. Enrolling...

Deep Dive — Understanding How Lenders Evaluate Loans

Get a checklist for your understanding of what a community lender or even a bank is looking for as it evaluates applications. Preparation of...

Deep Dive — Prudent Advice for Small Business Borrowers

There are many different sources for borrowed small business capital. But the terms can be very different and the net costs to the borrower...

Deep Dive –Top Ten Reasons Loan Applications Fail

Nonprofit community lender organizations, just like banks and credit unions, provide responsible, affordable small business lending. Learn the reasons why some applicants stumble and...

Deep Dive –12 Tips for Securing a Small Business Loan

Nonprofit community lender organizations, just like banks and credit unions, provide responsible, affordable small business lending. Learn the important factors to consider when you...

Deep Dive — Financial competence

Learn about CEDF's approach to financial competence to help small business owners. Google's Notebook LM is the tool we used to voice the podcast....
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Latest content

What Community Lenders Look For — And Why It Matters for Your Loan Application

When applying for a small business loan, many entrepreneurs focus on the amount they need or the purpose of the funds. But from a...

Three Critical Steps Before Seeking Funding

Entrepreneurs are supremely confident in their ideas but often overlook three fundamental steps in the process of creating a successful business concept. Few businesses...

How to Tailor Your Business Plan: Three Scenarios, Three Strategies

Be sure you tailor your plan to the right scenario Not all business plans are created equal. The way you approach your plan should depend...

Understanding debt service coverage

Is your lack of Debt Service Coverage showing? A simple guide for small business owners When you apply for a business loan, one of the most...

Leasing commercial space: what you need to know

A well-negotiated lease improves a business’s cash flow, flexibility, and risk profile, all of which are key factors lenders evaluate when determining loan eligibility....