In the Community

Join Chief Credit Officer Metta Smith as she takes stage at the ULI New Mexico: All About Financing Breakfast session.

Ever wonder how deals really get done? Seven experts (SBA experts, bankers, developers, and state financing leaders) take the stage to break down real transactions they've recently closed. Each presenter gets just a few minutes to walk you through the key moves: how the financing came together, what made it work, and if they might do something differently. Join us for a fast-paced, no-nonsense, and insight-packed breakfast session.

Join DreamSpring Acting CEO Marisa Barrera at the Urban Institute's virtual convening on credit trajectories of microbusiness loan borrowers. This event will highlight several key lessons for community development financial institutions and other mission lenders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and policymakers to tailor supports in a way that can promote a thriving ecosystem of microbusinesses. Register now.

Community workshops from the Center for Community Wealth focused on learning how cooperative business can build community wealth & power. // Talleres comunitarios del Centro para la Riqueza Comunitaria centrados en aprender cómo las empresas cooperativas pueden generar riqueza y poder comunitario.

Join DreamSpring Business Development Officer Toni Johnson as a panelist at the 2026 Fempreneur Expo in Killeen, Texas. The 3rd Annual Fempreneur Expo is more than an event — it’s an experience. This is where ambitious women, entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, and visionaries come together to connect, be inspired, learn, celebrate, and make bold moves. Whether you’re building a business, growing a brand, shifting into your next level, or simply ready to be in a room full of powerful energy, Fempreneur Expo was created with YOU in mind.

In partnership with Wells Fargo, DreamSpring offers low-interest capital to childcare providers. Want to start or grow your daycare program? Learn more with Baker Ripley. Secure your seat today and start building a stronger childcare business.

Join this monthly gathering for Native American entrepreneurs and business owners to connect, share resources, and build pathways to success. Held 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe Business Incubator (3900 Paseo del Sol, Santa Fe). 

Join the Center of Community Wealth and explore the strategic advantages of transitioning your business to employee ownership and how to do it.

NM CreativeCon is a statewide celebration of New Mexico’s creative community, taking place from March through June 2026. Hosted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Creative Industries Division, CreativeCon brings together creative entrepreneurs, community partners, and support organizations from across the state to connect, learn, and share ideas.

The Texas Association of Community Development Corporations proudly hosts this two-day event features keynote speaker Dr. Robert Mace and brings together CDC professionals, developers, and officials for networking and industry insights.

Join DreamSpring Chief Engagement Officer Amber Kani as a session panelist the morning breakout Capitalizing Purpose: How Banks Invest in CDFIs to Multiply Impact at the Texas Association of Community Development Corporations (TACDC) Annual Conference 2026 in Austin, Texas.

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) play a critical role in expanding access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs, yet their ability to lend and scale is directly tied to how effectively they are capitalized. Banks are essential partners in this work—not only through grants, but through strategic investments that strengthen CDFI balance sheets and unlock exponential community impact. This session will bring together bank leaders to explore the full spectrum of capital options, including lines of credit, subordinated debt, equity-like investments, participation structures, and LLC investment vehicles. Panelists will discuss how these tools support safety, soundness, and mission alignment while meeting institutional goals such as Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) performance and long-term portfolio growth.

NM CreativeCon is a statewide celebration of New Mexico’s creative community, taking place from March through June 2026. Hosted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Creative Industries Division, CreativeCon brings together creative entrepreneurs, community partners, and support organizations from across the state to connect, learn, and share ideas.

United Way’s Free Tax Preparation program provides access to free and trusted income tax assistance services to ensure that Dallas area residents receive all their eligible tax credits and refunds. Tax time is an important financial moment, but many families miss the opportunity for a refund because they don’t file or make a mistake when they file. Working families can receive thousands of dollars each year from the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit to put towards savings and living expenses.

Community workshops from the Center for Community Wealth focused on learning how cooperative business can build community wealth & power. // Talleres comunitarios del Centro para la Riqueza Comunitaria centrados en aprender cómo las empresas cooperativas pueden generar riqueza y poder comunitario.

Join the Center of Community Wealth and explore the strategic advantages of transitioning your business to employee ownership and how to do it.

NM CreativeCon is a statewide celebration of New Mexico’s creative community, taking place from March through June 2026. Hosted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Creative Industries Division, CreativeCon brings together creative entrepreneurs, community partners, and support organizations from across the state to connect, learn, and share ideas.

NM CreativeCon is a statewide celebration of New Mexico’s creative community, taking place from March through June 2026. Hosted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Creative Industries Division, CreativeCon brings together creative entrepreneurs, community partners, and support organizations from across the state to connect, learn, and share ideas.