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Community First Fund Joins CDFI Network to Advocate for Small Business Funding for Pandemic and Inflation Relief

April 25th, 2023

Harrisburg, PA – Community First Fund joined other leaders from the Pennsylvania Community Development Financial Institutions Network (PA CDFI Network) at the State Capitol to ask legislators to include $120 million in this year’s state budget to create a loan fund and grant program to support small businesses still struggling from the impact of the pandemic and inflation.

PA CDFI Network’s request, would create a $100 million loan fund to be managed by members of the PA CDFI Network.  An additional $20 million would create grants to organizations like Community First Fund to provide free business counseling and technical assistance for small businesses.

“We’re asking for another $20 million to support mom-and-pop businesses across the state,” said Daniel Betancourt, President and CEO, Community First Fund.  Dan also serves as the chair of the PA CDFI Network.

Full coverage of the press conference can be found here.