As innovation-driven businesses become increasingly important to regional economic growth, development finance professionals need a stronger understanding of how seed and venture capital can complement traditional financing tools.

Designed for development finance practitioners, economic developers, and other stakeholders seeking to support business and entrepreneurial growth, this workshop presented in partnership with the Community Development Venture Capital Alliance equips participants with the knowledge to navigate the growing role of equity financing in supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, job creation, and long-term economic competitiveness. Attendees will learn how venture capital differs from traditional financing approaches, explore successful state-supported and mission-oriented investment models, and examine how public, private, nonprofit, and university partners collaborate to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Participants will leave with practical insights and frameworks to evaluate whether venture-oriented strategies can advance their community's economic development goals.

Speakers:

• Nat Henshaw, President, CEI Ventures, Inc.
• Ernesto Villarini, Managing Director, Community Development Venture Capital Alliance

This three-hour, in-person workshop takes place on Wednesday, November 18 before CDFA's National Development Finance Summit in Savannah, GA.

You can register for the pre-conference workshop only, or register for the full conference and add the workshop to your registration.

Register

You can register for the pre-conference workshop only, or register for the full conference and add the workshop to your registration.

Workshop Early Bird rates end October 9, 2026.

Early Bird Rates CDFA Member: $250 Non-Member: $325

Standard Rates CDFA Member: $325 Non-Member: $400

Register