In the Community

From October 20–23, more than 2,100 CDFI practitioners, investors, funders, policymakers, and partners will gather in New Orleans—a city that knows what determined, community-rooted capital can rebuild—for OFN’s 42nd Annual Conference. This year’s theme, Opportunity Next, builds on the foundation of the last four decades and charts what comes next for the CDFI industry: new capital solutions, expanded access, and leadership ready to scale what works.

Through thought-provoking plenaries, breakout sessions, training, and tours of CDFI impact in the Gulf region, OFN42 will explore what’s working, what’s evolving, and how we scale impact—together. 

Join DreamSpring at the Military Spouse Pathway to Business course is a free virtual entrepreneurship event scheduled for October 22–23, 2026. Coordinated in partnership with the New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) and the SBA, this two-day intensive program is specifically built to help military spouses launch, evaluate, and scale their small businesses.

The curriculum translates the natural adaptability and resilience of military spouses into foundational business ownership knowledge by focusing on idea validation and evaluating initial business concepts. It also guides participants through business infrastructure, covering legal structures, operational considerations, and business tax fundamentals. Additionally, attendees will learn about funding options for finding startup capital and explore network support to connect with local assistance networks like SCORE and the New Mexico VBOC.

Whether you’re launching a creative venture, growing an established business, or looking for new opportunities, the 2026 Arts Month Creative Business Resource Fair connects you directly with the organizations, professionals, and services that can help you succeed.

Presented by the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region as part of Arts Month, this free event brings together more than 20 regional organizations offering practical resources for creative professionals and businesses.

The fair welcomes artists, makers, performers, musicians, filmmakers, designers, writers, cultural organizations, and creative entrepreneurs. From independent freelancers and small businesses to nonprofit organizations and established creative enterprises, everyone has something to gain.

Join the Tory Burch Foundation to learn how to use LinkedIn to get in front of the right people, build trust and turn connections into clients, partnerships and opportunities.

Webinar hosted by Cindy Dodd, an award-winning marketing leader, LinkedIn authority expert, and global speaker who has helped over 150,000 professionals and 1,000 businesses strengthen visibility, build authority, and drive leads through LinkedIn. As the Co-Founder and Chief Strategist of PEMA.io, an Inc. 5000 marketing agency, her work has been featured in SUCCESS Magazine, Entrepreneur, and FOX, and she was named one of SUCCESS Magazine's Top 50 Women of Influence.

Join us for an afternoon that will bring business owners together to hear from experienced entrepreneurs, have thoughtful roundtable conversations with other owners and Frost bankers, and walk away with practical ideas they can use in their businesses.

 Formerly known as the Frost Business Building Series, the program has been updated this year to create a stronger experience for our business owners, bankers, and community partners. Since the program began, Frost has helped more than 450 businesses gain knowledge, confidence, and tools to support their growth.
 
Applications are now open, and eligible business owners can apply directly by clicking here. Event Location: Maggiano’s Little Italy at NorthPark at 205 NorthPark Ctr, Dallas, TX 75225 

Join the SBA - Southern California District Offices' Veteran Business Career and Resource Expo! Whether you're launching a business, expanding an existing company, exploring financing options, or seeking career support, this one-day expo connects veterans and military-connected individuals with the resources needed to achieve their goals. Take advantage of expert presentations, networking opportunities, and direct access to organizations committed to supporting the veteran and military-connected community.

The Contractors Accelerator for Climate Resilience prepares small and diverse contractors to compete for public and private contracting in the growing climate resilience and clean energy economy.

CACR is a no-cost, fully online and self-paced program designed to help contractors strengthen their businesses, build capital and contract readiness, and prepare to compete for larger opportunities.

• U.S.-based small businesses in the construction trades or businesses that advise/support the trades
• Businesses interested in climate resilience, clean energy, or public procurement opportunities
• Businesses ready to strengthen areas such as licensing, bonding, estimating, and capital access
• Businesses able to participate in self-paced learning and live virtual sessions

Join the Tory Burch Foundation for their business webinar Build Your Brand Universe, and learn how to craft a unique world people can’t ignore using a five-step framework. 

Hosted by Robyn Young, a brand strategist, author, and founder of Young & Co., where she helps fiercely independent brands resist shallow growth and build layered brand worlds people recognize, trust, and return to. Over the past decade, Robyn has helped launch or relaunch more than 100 brands, from emerging category leaders like NÜTRL and Verishop to established enterprises navigating high-stakes reinvention. She’s the author of Build Your Brand Universe, a #1 Amazon Hot New Release, and a frequent speaker on brand resilience, point of view, and what it takes to build brands designed for long-term relevance.

Start your morning right at Business, Banking & Breakfast! Join Vista Bank on Friday, November 20, at 9 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for a networking event for local business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, and industry experts, brought to you in partnership with the South Dallas Fair Park Innovation Center and the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce. Grab a bite, share ideas with fellow business owners, and connect directly with industry leaders.

Event Location: Vista Bank & Financial Literacy Center at 3225 MLK Jr. Blvd., Dallas, TX 75210.

Explore digital sales for small businesses with Nicole Lewis, founder of Art 2 the Extreme®, home of The Original Rainbow Crayon®. In this 30-minute session, Nicole shares nearly two decades of experience selling handmade products online and growing a nationally recognized creative brand. Nicole also explains how she gives each online platform a specific job and what makers can do now to get found in search, including AI-powered search. 

This AI Bootcamp is designed for entrepreneurs who want to save time, grow faster, market smarter, and make better business decisions without needing a technical background. Program completion earns you a certificate backed by Arizona State University. Enroll today for free.