JULY 2026 |
Dear PCV Community,
In a year marked by economic uncertainty and rapid change, small businesses have continued to be a powerful force driving local economies forward. Across the country, entrepreneurs are creating good jobs, fueling innovation, and investing in their communities, even as they navigate rising costs, workforce challenges, and an evolving economic landscape. |
|
|
Last month, I joined leaders from across the country at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland's State of Small Business Symposium to unveil their findings from the annual Small Business
Credit Survey, and discuss what entrepreneurs need to thrive in today's economy. One message was clear: small businesses don't just need access to capital. They need ecosystems of trusted support technical assistance, strong networks, quality jobs, and tools to adapt and grow in a rapidly changing world. When we invest in small businesses, we invest in the resilience and prosperity of our own communities, and innovations that move our economy forward. |
|
|
PCV’s 2025 Impact Report demonstrates what's possible when entrepreneurs have access to those resources. Last year, PCV deployed more than $15 million in restorative capital,
supported nearly 1,000 entrepreneurs nationwide, and helped create and retain more than 3,200 jobs. With 81% of our capital reaching low-and moderate-income communities, we're helping expand opportunity where it is needed most, through trusted partners and ecosystems in priority regions that remain economically or climate underserved. |
|
|
PCV remains focused on a critical question: How do we ensure small businesses are not only included in our economy, but empowered to shape its future? That question drives our work every day. Because when entrepreneurs have access to capital, opportunity, and support, we keep the promise of economic mobility alive, and help build a more resilient economy for all. |
|
|
|
 |
PCV’s Annual Impact Report: Reimagining Economic Mobility Pathways |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What happens when mission-driven capital meets entrepreneurial vision? Family Laundry, an Oakland-based small business, is showing what's possible. With support from Pacific Community Ventures' Climate Resilience Mobilization Fund, the company built a dedicated EV charging hub, expanded its
electric vehicle fleet, and continues to create quality good and green jobs while exploring responsible AI adoption. Their story demonstrates how flexible capital can help small businesses drive climate impact, economic opportunity, and community resilience. |
|
|
|
|
Reem’s California Grand Opening Jack London Square |
|
|
 |
Congratulations to James Beard award-wining Chefpreneur, and PCV Good Jobs fellow Reem Assil and co-founder Zaynah Hindi on the opening of her newest Oakland location with Mayor Barbara Lee, a milestone that reflects a powerful vision for the future of
small business. Built on a worker ownership conversion model, the new café in Jack London Square creates opportunities for employees to share in the success they help create through ownership, leadership, and long-term wealth-building. |
|
|
At a time when many entrepreneurs are rethinking what sustainable growth looks like, Reem’s multi-year journey towards this outcome demonstrates how businesses can strengthen their communities while creating good jobs, and pathways to economic mobility. Our team at PCV is grateful to have been on this journey with Reem and Zaynah for 8 years since their first location, and excited to see this next chapter unfold and the impact it will have for Oakland and beyond. Visit Reem's → |
|
|
PCV Announces Inaugural Radiant Data Champions Cohort |
|
|
Last Month, Pacific Community Ventures formally announced the inaugural cohort of Radiant Data Champions, at the one-year anniversary of the launch of our Data & AI Hub! CDFIs play a critical role in expanding access to capital and opportunity for underserved entrepreneurs, but many organizations face similar challenges in collecting, analyzing, and applying data to better understand impact and meet community needs. By working together, Data Champions will help develop practical solutions that strengthen how we measure outcomes, deploy resources, and serve small businesses. Better data and stronger insights can help mission-driven lenders identify emerging needs, reach more entrepreneurs, and direct resources where they can have the greatest impact - nationwide.
The cohort will explore new approaches to shared data systems, ethical machine learning, and AI-enabled insights that can help mission-driven lenders make more informed decisions and increase their impact over time. |
|
|
 |
Radiant Data Hub at Opportunity Finance Network Small Business Finance Forum |
|
Ultimately, this work is about more than technology, it's about creating stronger pathways to business growth, quality jobs, wealth creation, and economic mobility in communities across the country. By building shared tools and knowledge across the CDFI industry, the cohort aims to help lenders serve small businesses more effectively and strengthen local economies nationwide. We are excited to welcome ACE, Ascendus, CRF, JUST, LEAF, and PCV's lending team as founding members, with additional partners expected to
join in the coming months. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Conferences and Events |
|
|
|
|
|
Business Advising Webinars, Events, and Resources |
|
|
|
|
Join us for an interactive orientation webinar where you'll learn how to access FREE one-on-one mentorship through PCV's Business Advising program. Register today. |
|
|
|
|
Shop Local LA is a countywide initiative from the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity that connects entrepreneurs to practical, no-cost resources that help them grow, build resilience, and reach new customers. Learn more. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1714 Franklin Street, Suite 100 #347 Oakland, CA 94612
You're receiving this email because you've enrolled in a program with Pacific Community Ventures or Signed up for our newsletter. Preferences | Unsubscribe |
|
|
|
|
