Overview
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. Led by passionate, hardworking entrepreneurs representing the best of our country, they also contribute to vibrant, flourishing, safe communities that we all deserve to call home.
Today, small businesses are navigating a genuinely difficult moment — tariffs, labor shortages, rising costs, and a shifting federal support landscape have created pressures that fall hardest on businesses in underinvested communities with the least margin for uncertainty. CDFIs and mission-driven financial institutions are feeling that pressure too, even as demand for their capital and coaching has never been greater. Yet CDFIs have a long history of stepping up as indispensable partners to entrepreneurs that mainstream finance overlooks — and 2026 is no exception.
Join more than 500 CDFI industry peers and partners in Austin, Texas, from June 10-12 for three days of peer learning and practical exploration at the 2026 Small Business Finance Forum.
Together, we’ll explore policy and market trends, operational innovation, and strategies designed to strengthen small business financing for our nation’s most underinvested entrepreneurs.
WHEN
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2026 Forum Highlights
The 2026 Forum kicks off on Wednesday, June 10, with an optional pre-forum training day offering hands-on sessions on topics ranging from Financial Planning to Impact Measurement & Management —perfect for deepening your expertise before the main event begins. That evening, join us for a welcome reception open to all attendees—we can’t wait to see you there!
Programming on Thursday, June 11, and Friday, June 12 features over 30 interactive breakout sessions across seven distinct tracks; opportunities for peer learning and networking; and a Small Business Partner Expo spotlighting tools, resources, and organizations that help CDFI small business lenders do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. On Thursday, attendees can also join an optional CDFIs in Action Tour to explore Austin's vibrant food entrepreneur landscape.
Looking for detailed information on the agenda, trainings, registration fees and more? Access the full site menu by clicking on the button with three bars at the top right of this page next to "Register Now."
Please note the attendee list is now only visible to registered event participants to protect attendees from scams.
Exhibitor & Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in showcasing your organization’s tools, services, and expertise to a highly engaged audience of mission-driven small business lenders? Contact our team at fundraising@ofn.org to explore expo and sponsorship opportunities.