Neighborhood Community Development Fund

⚡ Helping flip the switch! ☀️

Yesterday we celebrated a major milestone with our community partner, Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation, as they activated their new rooftop solar energy system at the Historic Lohr Building. We're so proud to have helped finance this project through our Resilient Financing program and bring it to life. A special thank you to our Senior Loan Manager, Rich Newell, for making this partnership possible.

WCDC drives economic development and strengthens neighborhoods across Wilkinsburg through their work supporting small businesses, tackling vacant property and blight, revitalizing commercial spaces, and bringing residents together around shared community goals. They're the backbone of positive change in Wilkinsburg.

This 23.4-kW solar array will reduce WCDC's electricity costs by approximately 95%—saving more than $105,000 over the next 25 years. Those savings go directly back into the programs and initiatives that help entrepreneurs succeed, support homeowners, and build a stronger, more vibrant community.

That's the power of clean energy paired with community development. When we invest in sustainability, we free up resources to invest in people and neighborhoods.

Thank you to PA Solar Center, Energy Independent Solutions, and everyone who made this partnership possible. Here's to powering positive change in Wilkinsburg. 💙

☀️ Congratulations to Wilkinsburg Community Development on flipping the switch on the new rooftop solar energy system at the Historic Lohr Building! 🎉

We're proud to have helped make this project possible through financing and to partner with Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation, PA Solar Center, Energy Independent Solutions, and everyone involved. Special thanks to our Loan Officer, Rich Newell, for helping bring this project to life! 🤝💚

Check out WCDC's post below to learn more about this exciting milestone! ⬇️

Congratulations to Shamiah Coulverson, owner of House of Paradise Cremation & Funeral Care🎉

With our funding support, Shamiah Coulverson has achieved a major milestone of owning her very own funeral home space. Starting on the South Side and moving to Hazelwood, Shamiah continues to serve families with the compassion and excellence they deserve.

A special thanks to Neighborhood Community Development Fund's loan officer, Denise Graham- Shealey for her commitment to supporting our clients every step of the way!🙌

Check out House of Paradise Cremation & Funeral Care ✨

Meet Tess Kenney and Handinhand Counseling Services. 🤝💚

With funding to grow, Tess is expanding access to trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapy for individuals, families, and groups who deserve healing spaces that honor their stories.

Healing looks different for everyone, and it should. HandinHand creates that safe space where your story matters and your healing is possible. Individual therapy. Family therapy. Group therapy. All rooted in hope, health, and healing.

This is what community wealth looks like—entrepreneurs like Tess building the services our neighborhoods desperately need.

Check out Handinhand Counseling Services and support the healing work they're doing. 🙌

🎯REMINDER!!

Tomorrow July 23rd, 1 - 2 PM, JARI is hosting a FREE Q&A Webinar for the PA CDFI BASC Microgrant Program.

The Webinar will walk through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Register Today:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/jari-presents-pa-cdfi-microgrant-application?fbclid=IwY2xjawTNt41leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe4IqX6tBt56wfeXN7NAm2MPafTYWxN2jObIQghOSjGB5SfGMXTY3qVaM0ggk_aem_yA1fBwFFmbg7pSeoGYs15w

📋 Can't make it live? We've created a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process: https://www.ncd-fund.org/pa-cdfi-basc-microgrants-application-step-by-step-guide/

**The PA CDFI BASC Microgrants Program supports historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs through business coaching and technical assistance delivered through a statewide network of Business Assistance Service Centers (BASCs), with microgrant funding offering up to $20,000**

Applications open through August 10th

PA CDFI BASC Microgrants Application: Step-by-Step Guide Walk through the PA CDFI BASC microgrants application step-by-step. Learn what documents you need and how to complete each section.

Great news for Pennsylvania small business owners! 🎉

The PA CDFI Network has launched the BASC Microgrant Program, offering grants up to $20,000 to support the growth and success of Historically Disadvantaged Businesses across the state.

Key Details:
✓ Grants up to $20,000
✓ Applications open through August 10, 2026
✓ Designed to support business growth and success

Have questions about the application? JARI is hosting a FREE Q&A Webinar on July 23 from 1-2 pm. They'll walk you through the application process and answer all your questions.

Register for the Q&A Webinar: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/jari-presents-pa-cdfi-microgrant-application

Ready to learn more or apply? Visit the program page: https://pacdfinetwork.org/basc-microgrants-program/

As a member of the PA CDFI Network, Neighborhood Community Development Fund is excited to share this incredible opportunity with our small business community!!

Happy National AI Day! 🤖

AI is everywhere and businesses are adopting fast—but take a step back
and consider these questions before getting a new AI tool.

Swipe through to see the 3 critical questions every small business owner
should ask first 👇

In our latest blog, we provide a complete guide that walks you through:

✓ The 3 questions to ask before investing
✓ Free vs. paid AI tools (and when to upgrade)
✓ Comparing the top tools for your business
✓ A 30-day action plan to test before you buy

Don't jump on the AI trend without thinking it through. Read the full
guide - link in caption!

Ready to take control of your cash flow? 💰

Join us for Navigating Your Cash Flow, a free educational session designed specifically for small business owners like you.

This is part 2 of our 3-part series—a collaborative effort with Chase Bank to help you build confidence, strengthen your finances, and prepare for growth.

Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, understanding your cash flow is the foundation for long-term financial stability. In this session, we'll walk through:

✓ Cash flow fundamentals that actually make sense ✓ Proven strategies to maximize the money coming in ✓ Smart ways to minimize unnecessary cash going out ✓ Real tools you can use right away to help make your cash work for you!

⏰Wednesday, July 29th, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
📍Zoom (link will be provided upon registration)
🔗Registration Link in Caption!!

👉 Save the dates for Series #3: August 26

Our community is built on the belief that every entrepreneur deserves access to the knowledge and support needed to thrive. We're here to walk alongside you.