Working Solutions is a nonprofit, certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to providing affordable capital and customized consulting to diverse small business owners across the San Francisco Bay Area. We are currently hiring for the position of Business Development Officer. Read the job description and learn how to apply here.

In the words of one of our Working Solutions Board Members, "We all have a responsibility to support recovery by shopping local and supporting small businesses." We couldn’t agree more. Check out these Bay Area resources to help you “Shop Small” this holiday season.

From October 19-21, Working Solutions was proud to participate in a virtual conference hosted by the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), our national association of CDFIs. Each year, OFN hosts an inspiring conference for CDFI professionals, funders, and supporters. This year’s virtual conference included a presentation by Working Solutions CFO and OFN Board Member Christina Travers hosted by the CDFI Women’s Network.

As we recognize Women’s Small Business Month in October, Working Solutions is excited to celebrate major milestones for several of our women-owned client businesses. Congratulations to Zella’s Soulful Kitchen, HEAL: Pilates, SF Parking, and Yvonne’s Southern Sweets on their re-openings and anniversaries!

Working Solutions is a member of the California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO), and we are committed to sharing expertise and best practices to help our industry thrive. Last month, Working Solutions Lending Manager Priscilla Woo presented as part of a CDFI Essentials event hosted by CAMEO, sharing her skills and experience on loan closing, servicing, and documentation with peers.

Working Solutions client Robert Guidry, owner of Masterclass Mobile Barbershop, was featured on KTVU alongside Crystal Rasmussen, Working Solutions Business Consulting Officer. Robert is committed to rebuilding his barber shop business which was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and even during tough times, he still gives back to the community with free haircuts at the VA Hospital in Palo Alto.

The ninth and final round of the California Relief Grant Program is now closed. This program is administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) and Lendistry. Working Solutions was pleased to be one of the select partners providing support with the application process. If you applied, please note that Lendistry is still in the process of reviewing applications. Please continue to check your email for updates. Learn more here.

September 15-October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month! Working Solutions is committed to supporting Latinx entrepreneurs across the Bay Area by providing affordable capital and customized consulting to help their businesses thrive. Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by directing your purchases to local Latinx-owned businesses. Click below for links to several business directories to help you find great spots to try.

As we head into the Labor Day weekend, Working Solutions is preparing for the Fall season—a time of change and opportunity, which this year includes the transition of our CFO, Christina Travers. In November, Christina will be moving on to a new position: serving as the CFO of LISC, a national CDFI where she worked earlier in her career. Congratulations, Christina, and thank you for all you have done for our organization and the entrepreneurs we serve! Working Solutions is actively recruiting for the CFO position, and interested applicants can learn more here.

Working Solutions is proud to support our partners at the Responsible Business Lending Coalition in advancing implementation of CA SB 1235, the nation’s first small business truth-in-lending protections bill, which will ensure a fairer marketplace for California’s small businesses.

Working Solutions Chief Development Officer Laura Hoover was pleased to present at the University of Washington’s virtual Ascend conference sponsored by JPMorgan Chase in July. Laura and co-panelist Ray Pennie, President of Business Development for Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), presented about new financing models and financial products, lessons learned, and new strategies and advice for financial sustainability during times of crisis and beyond.

August is National Black Business Month! As a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Working Solutions is committed to closing racial wealth gaps through entrepreneurship. We encourage our community to join us in supporting local Black entrepreneurs by directing your purchases to Black-owned small businesses. Click below for links to directories and resources. Also, don’t miss Bay Area Black Restaurant Week from August 20-29.