schedule-demo Request Demo Primary
Attend Webinar Primary
schedule-demo Request Demo Primary
Attend Webinar Primary
Request Demo

Building Stronger Businesses. Strengthening Communities.

CEED (Community Entrepreneurship Economic Development) brings financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and community and technical colleges together to create pathways to business growth and economic opportunity.

By connecting entrepreneurs with education, mentorship, and trusted financial partners through NACCE’s national network of local colleges, CEED is designed to empower under-resourced entrepreneurs, including veteran-, women- and minority-owned businesses, with the business acumen, financial readiness and local connections they need to become “bank-ready” and secure funding and grow.

Learn More About Beocoming a Partner
Untitled design (53)

Why CEED Matters

Small businesses are vital to local economies, but many entrepreneurs still face barriers to capital, guidance, and opportunity.

CEED helps bridge that gap by bringing together financial institutions, colleges, and local leaders to support underserved entrepreneurs. In turn, participating institutions strengthen community ties, expand their local presence, and build trusted relationships.

When entrepreneurs succeed, communities grow stronger.

A Partnership Model That Creates Value For Everyone

CEED creates a bridge between entrepreneurial ambition and financial opportunity, strengthening both the businesses being built and the communities they serve.

statement-spreading
FOR ENTREPRENEUR
  • Access to trusted financial guidance.
  • Business education and mentorship.
  • Connections to local leaders and resources.
  • Improved readiness for future financing.
  • Stronger foundation for sustainable growth.

icon-9
FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
  • Meaningful community engagement.
  • Early relationships with emerging businesses.
  • Increased visibility among local entrepreneurs.
  • Support for economic development initiatives.
  • Opportunities to build future lending relationships.

More Than Community Outreach. A Growth Strategy.

CEED helps financial institutions connect with entrepreneurs earlier, build stronger relationships, and create lasting impact in the communities they serve.
Untitled design (1)

By partnering with local entrepreneur support organizations and community colleges, CEED gives banks and credit unions a meaningful way to engage emerging businesses before they become borrowers. Participants gain access to education, mentorship, and financial guidance, while your institution becomes a trusted resource from day one.

The result is stronger communities, stronger business relationships, and a stronger pipeline of future lending opportunities.

Financial Institutions Benefit By:

  • Building relationships with entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of business growth.
  • Increasing visibility and trust within underserved and emerging business communities.
  • Positioning the institution as a partner, not just a provider.
  • Supporting local economic development and job creation.
  • Creating opportunities for future deposits, lending relationships, and long-term client growth.

When entrepreneurs succeed, communities thrive and financial institutions grow alongside them.

Every Entrepreneur Deserves A Chance

Many entrepreneurs have the vision, determination, and work ethic to build successful businesses, but lack access to the resources, guidance, and financial relationships needed to get started.
Untitled design (51)

Too often, promising businesses are overlooked because they don't fit traditional lending models. CEED helps change that by giving entrepreneurs a clearer path forward, with practical support, stronger preparation, and trusted relationships that can open doors to future capital.

The program creates a pathway for entrepreneurs to build confidence, strengthen their business foundation, and develop the relationships necessary to access capital when they are ready.

Entrepreneurs Gain Access To:

  • Financial education, business training, and development resources delivered through trusted local partners.
  • Connections to local bankers and community leaders.
  • Guidance on preparing for future financing opportunities.
  • Networking with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners.
  • A support system that helps turn ideas into sustainable businesses.

CEED helps entrepreneurs move from possibility to progress, with trusted partners walking alongside them every step of the journey.

Powered By Partnership

CEED succeeds because of collaboration between financial institutions, NACCE, community and technical colleges, entrepreneurs, and local leaders committed to creating economic opportunity.

Together, these partners help deliver the education, local connections, and practical support entrepreneurs need to launch, grow, and thrive, with community colleges playing a critical role in expanding access in the communities they serve.

Explore Our Integration Partners

Let's Talk

Contact Us

Download The One-Pager

Download
main-cta-pattern-herringbone-staggered

Building Stronger Businesses Starts With Stronger Connections

Untitled design (52)

CEED is a new initiative that connects entrepreneurs with education, financial guidance, and community support through partnerships with NACCE and colleges nationwide, offering a practical framework to strengthen community impact and create lasting economic opportunity.
Read Launch Announcement