Funding Options for the Future

   America is a land of opportunities, Thousands of people come to America in hopes of fulfilling their dreams, getting a better an education, or starting a business. There are so many resources and programs available to those with interest in starting their entrepreneurship endeavors, but the amount of options can be overwhelming. Some great resources that I would deem as advantageous to beginning entrepreneurs are: Opportunity Finance Network,  Cfed, Association for Enterprise Opportunity, and the Community Development Venture Capital (CDVC). I found these organizations in particular very useful because they all share a common goal which is to empower communities and economic development. There are plenty of opportunities available to entrepreneurs to get knowledge about entrepreneurship, funding sources, and gaining access to mentors. The Oppurtunity Finance Network seeks to help finance businesses that help "low-income, low wealth, and other disadvantaged people and communities have access to affordable , responsible financial products and services." www.oppurtunitydfinancce.net
   To qualify for some of these financial resources it has to serve certain communities and bring a benefit to communities in underprivileged regions. For instance the AEO- Association for Enterprise Opportunity seeks, "to assist underserved entrepreneurs in starting, stabilizing, and expanding business".www.aeoworks.org For other organizations like the Community Development Venture Capital (CDVC) funding is provided to "..companies with strong management, good ideas, impressive growth potential, and the promise of high financial returns." www. cdvca.org
   So different organizations have different qualifications depending on their various objectives. A lot of these sites also have statistical information of the success of the funding and the jobs created through businesses. CFed.org even has video testimonials of entrepreneurs that have utilized resources and been able to establish successful businesses in their communities. Overall there is nothing an entrepreneur has to lose by looking up this resource, because you can benefit your self as well as your community by using these sites. This is yet another great advancement tool for urban communities and those who aspire to help the youth who are truly our future.