CEF Offers Four Primary Programs:
Save With Us:
Join a Savings Circle — Weekly trainings, circles of support, and savings opportunities
Savings Circles meet weekly and consist of a 10-week curriculum that covers everything from personal finance to job readiness to health. Members of Savings Circles participate in one of two of our savings programs: Micro-Development Accounts. Savers who complete the 10-week curriculum and show consistent progress towards the realization of their savings goal become eligible for a CEF Micro-Loan.
To join a savings circle, please call us at (919) 200-0233 or email us at thecef@gmail.com to schedule your first meeting and to fill out an application to our savings program.
Micro-Development Accounts — Commitment savings accounts
MDAs are goal-oriented savings accounts. Whether you are saving for a car, a housing deposit, or even just saving to save, MDAs provide you with the budgeting skills and a manageable saving plan to realize your financial goal. Once you have reached your saving goal, CEF will match your accomplishments by 10 percent.
Borrow with us
Micro-Loans — Small amounts of capacity-building capital
CEF micro-loans are targeted towards investments in small business, employment, or housing transitions. CEF loans are interest-free and individually-negotiated. Our loans emphasize small weekly or bi-weekly repayments, and incorporate even larger opportunities for repeat borrowers.
In order to become eligible for a CEF loan you must first participate in either the savings program or the business training.
Micro-Loans — Small amounts of capacity-building capital
CEF micro-loans are targeted towards investments in small business, employment, or housing transitions. CEF loans are interest-free and individually-negotiated. Our loans emphasize small weekly or bi-weekly repayments, and incorporate even larger opportunities for repeat borrowers.
In order to become eligible for a CEF loan you must first participate in either the savings program or the business training.
Learn with us
Small Business Trainings —Build an Idea, Create Your Business
The CEF Small Business Training is a 6-week course which meets once a week during that period. Training sessions focus on developing your business idea, defining your market and your competition, small business accounting, pricing, marketing, and legal measures.
The training is open to all. Please feel free to attend no matter your stage in the process. The training is designed to enrich the abilities of all entrepreneurs, whether you are just starting, don’t even have an idea yet, or have been operating for years.
Please visit the CEF Calendar for more on the next available training session.
Small Business Trainings —Build an Idea, Create Your Business
The CEF Small Business Training is a 6-week course which meets once a week during that period. Training sessions focus on developing your business idea, defining your market and your competition, small business accounting, pricing, marketing, and legal measures.
The training is open to all. Please feel free to attend no matter your stage in the process. The training is designed to enrich the abilities of all entrepreneurs, whether you are just starting, don’t even have an idea yet, or have been operating for years.
Please visit the CEF Calendar for more on the next available training session.
Savings Circle Curriculum — Set a Goal, Build a Community, and Learn Together
Even if you are not interested in or able to save right now, we welcome you to join a savings circle and participate in the coinciding educational training. Savings circles offer a 10-week curriculum in personal finance, job readiness, employment connections, communication skills, and an intensive focus on budgeting and credit. Following the end of the 10-week period, savings circle members self-direct a continued curriculum, group learning process, and community resource network.