23rd Annual Economic Development Conference
"Advancing Economic Opportunity & Ownership"
Brought to you by NDC
The event brought a day of meaningful engagement. The afternoon offered an interactive workshop with the one and only, Ajit and Harsha Dodani with EmpathifyU, followed by thought-provoking panel discussions focusing on Small Business, Housing, and Economic Development. Valuable networking opportunities were available throughout the entire event, creating memories to last a lifetime. In the evening, the Awards Gala provided an unforgettable experience with a delicious dinner, captivating entertainment, and a powerful keynote speaker.
The impactful work of the NDC and our partners was on full display
Leading Through Chaos: Interactive Workshop
Ajit and Harsha Dodani brought their expertise to the 23rd Annual Economic Development Conference on May 22nd with an essential workshop called "Leading In The Chaos." As the founders of EmpathifyU, they specialized in giving small businesses and nonprofits the specific frameworks and support systems they needed to stay resilient when things got hectic. Drawing on their deep background in financial readiness and human-centered leadership, the Dodanis provided attendees with the practical tools necessary to strengthen operations and drive long-term success even in unpredictable environments.
Idea to Income - Building a Business That Works
What separated a great idea from a thriving business? That question sat at the heart of this dynamic panel, co-presented by Advancing The Seed, Inc. (ATS) and NDC. Facilitated by ATS Founder and CEO Regeanie Corona, the panel guided attendees through the foundational stages of entrepreneurship: identifying a viable idea, validating it in the marketplace, building a business model, and creating sustainable income. Attendees left with a clearer understanding of what it took to start and grow a business, along with actionable next steps they could apply immediately. Whether someone was still dreaming or already taking their first steps, this panel met them where they were.
By spotlighting the voices of young entrepreneurs, this session also sent a powerful message to youth in the room: entrepreneurship was not reserved for a select few. With the right tools, support, and mindset, building a business was within reach.
The Impact of the CRA
This panel focused on the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), enhancing financial management literacy and expanding homeownership for low-income communities. Panelists explored the evolving intersection of financial safety, community development, and regulatory accountability, with a significant portion of the discussion addressing whether regulatory frameworks effectively held banks accountable. The session identified best practices for building strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with financial institutions and navigating the complexities of the CRA.
Panelists discussed ways financial institutions leaned toward more meaningful reinvestment in marginalized communities, ensuring that bank consolidations and technological shifts did not result in the further exclusion of underserved populations from the financial system. Finally, the discussion addressed the urgent need for enhanced financial literacy to help individuals detect sophisticated fraud, highlighting the rise of AI-driven scams targeting vulnerable populations. This was a valuable opportunity to learn from CRA officers and connect with community bankers.
Thank you to our sponsors!
