Regional convening brings together Black-led CDFI leaders, capital partners, and civic leaders to identify collaborative solutions for sustaining community investment across the Northeast
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2026
PHILADELPHIA– The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) will host its Northeast Huddle & Exchange on November 18, 2026, at The Enterprise Center in Philadelphia, PA. As the third installment in The Alliance’s regional convenings, the event will bring together funders, bankers, policymakers, and civic leaders to strengthen Black-led community finance and expand economic opportunity across the Northeast.
During the featured discussion, “Federal Funding Rollbacks & the State-Level Response,” panelists will examine how CDFIs and their partners are adapting to a shifting federal landscape while identifying strategies to sustain community investment.
Throughout the event, attendees will engage in candid peer exchange on pathways to build wealth, strengthen local ownership, and sustain long-term economic stability in Black communities.
Programming will include:
- A moderated panel discussion using Philadelphia as a case study to illustrate how regional collaboration and state-level action can help sustain access to capital amid federal funding uncertainty.
- The Alliance Exchange, a networking social designed for leaders and capital partners to deepen partnerships and explore opportunities for collective action.
- Opportunities to address persistent economic disparities and the critical need to advance community power, assets, and permanence.
“When federal support retreats, we need strong regional partnerships, effective advocacy, and state-level solutions that keep capital flowing to the businesses and neighborhoods that need it most,” said Amber Banks, President & CEO of The Alliance. “As Black-led CDFIs chart their paths forward, we must ensure they have the capital and resources to help Black communities build wealth and shape their own futures.”
The Northeast Huddle & Exchange is supported by U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, recognizing the critical need to invest in and strengthen the Black-led CDFIs at the forefront of building stronger, more equitable economies across the Northeast.
The Northeast Huddle & Exchange runs from 1pm until 5:30pm ET at The Enterprise Center, 4548 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19139. Registration and the full agenda are available here.
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About the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
The African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs (The Alliance) is a national coalition of 100+ CEOs of Black-led Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) including loan funds, credit unions, venture capital firms, and nonprofit developers. Founded in 2018, The Alliance’s membership network collectively serves all 50 states and the District of Columbia, positioning members to address housing and capital access barriers in Black communities nationwide.
Media Contact
Iyanna Peoples
Associate, Marketing & Development
African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs
[email protected], (910) 518-9201