Economic Development Finance Service

Member Benefits

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#1 - EDFS Keeps You Informed About Loan Fund Best Practices, Funding and Policy

    Members receive the latest development finance information through a periodic newsletter, EDFS Reporter. The Reporter provides readers with best practice examples, resources and funding programs. Recent issues of the Reporter are available on the EDFS Members Only page on this web site.

    EDFS has a list serve exclusively for its members. In addition to giving EDFS members an opportunity to network directly with one another, the list serve is also used to send out EDFS Alert! to members about funding opportunities and policy issues requiring immediate action.

    EDFS serves as an information clearinghouse for members through specialized information searches. EDFS staff search an the EDFS Loan Fund Library, the Internet, and canvass the EDFS member network through the list serve for answers to loan fund-related questions.

    EDFS writes in-depth reports that are a useful resource and highlight loan fund trends and activities.

#2 - EDFS Provides Significant Member Discounts on Training and Certification That Will Strengthen Your Skills and Your Loan Fund

    EDFS offers members and nonmembers affordable, highly rated and personalized loan fund management training through the Certification Program for Small Business Loan Fund Management. These are excellent opportunities for new and experienced professionals to strengthen skills in loan fund management. Plus, they are a great way to network with other loan fund professionals and policymakers from across the country, sharing your expertise and getting your questions answered.

#3 - EDFS Gets Answers to Your Questions and Gives Opportunities to Share Your Knowledge

    Join EDFS and exchange information and ideas with practitioners from more that 40 states, including public and private organizations serving the finance needs of micro and small businesses.

    EDFS members are part of a national network of economic development finance professionals. Members can learn about each other's activities through the EDFS Reporter or at NADO's Annual Training Conference, NADO's Washington Policy Conference, and EDFS' professional development events. EDFS' federal and other funding contacts also attend these events and are available to discuss their funding programs with you.

    EDFS has a list serve exclusively for its members. It gives EDFS members an opportunity to network directly with one another by posting relevant informational notices, asking questions about RLF issues, and expounding on topics of interest.

    The EDFS members directory is available on the Members Only page on this web site.

#4 - EDFS Gives You Opportunities to Shape Policies That Affect Your Loan Fund

    Members help shape federal loan fund policy by submitting comments, giving testimony, attending federally - sponsored meetings, and drafting legislation - coordinated by EDFS and NADO.

    EDFS staff have a professional relationship with the managers of the various federal RLF programs, as well as with other key figures. This personal contact allows access to current information about programs that affect EDFS members.

    Members' concerns and interests are represented to federal agencies, policymakers, and funding organizations through EDFS' affiliation with NADO.

    EDFS publications promote the loan fund industry to policymakers and funders.

Join EDFS Today: Click Here for Membership Brochure