Join Us for CDVCA’s 31st Annual Conference in Washington DC
Celebrate and advance our mission to bring people together around promoting the availability and use of startup and growth risk capital to create good jobs, build productive wealth, and entrepreneurial capacity in underinvested communities throughout the nation.
Keynote Speaker:
Brett Theodos, Director of the newly-launched Center for Local Finance and Growth at the Urban Institute, a nonpartisan knowledge solutions hub dedicated to advancing the mission finance and community economic development sectors.
| Panels at this year’s conference will include the following: Report from Inside the Beltway. As the political situation in Washington changes by the minute, learn about the current state of play in the Trump administration and on Capitol Hill and how it affects the CDVC industry. Government Programs. Hear how fund managers and practitioners still find opportunity in programs such as the CDFI Fund, the New Markets Tax Credit, Opportunity Zones, SSBCI, and various state-level efforts, while gaining practical insights about how to use them. Creating Good Jobs. CDVC funds create good jobs, but what exactly does that mean? Experts and fund managers will share their practical experience about how to create jobs while prioritizing job quality. Supporting Portfolio Companies. The work just begins after you invest. Learn how CDVC fund managers can play a vital role post-investment, enhancing company success, financial return, and social impact. CDVC and Artificial Intelligence. Fund managers will share how they are enhancing their internal operations with AI, as well as about threats and opportunities AI poses for their portfolio companies. CDVCA Roundtable. A long-time tradition at CDVCA conferences, at the close of the meeting experienced fund managers come to the front of the room to answer questions and share insights. Speakers Will Include: Susan Akbarpour, Managing Partner, Candou Ventures Maureen Conway, Vice President, Aspen Institute; Executive Director, Economic Opportunities Program Maria Gotsch, President, Partnership Fund for New York City Nat Henshaw, President and Managing Director, CEI Ventures Catherine Lyons, Senior Director of Policy and Coalitions, Economic Innovations Group Scott Murphy, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer, Advantage Capital Scott Nissenbaum, President and CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners Neil Wright, CEO, Bronze Valley Anthony Williams, Vice President, Meridian Management Group Mark Wilson, CDVCA Entrepreneur-in Residence |
At this year’s conference, you will:
- Gain insights from trailblazing CDVC funds and thought leaders on how they are tackling today’s challenges with innovative solutions.
- Network with fund managers, investors, ecosystem partners, and government officials working to drive impact and economic opportunity in distressed communities.
- Learn from investors and capital allocators about the qualities they look for in their investments.
- Learn about government programs such as CDFI Fund, SSBCI, Opportunity Zones, the New Markets Tax Credit, SBIC, and others.
- Shape the Future of CDVC: How has the Trump administration impacted the industry so far?
Tentative Schedule:
This schedule is entirely tentative and is meant for planning purposes. A detailed agenda will be available closer to the date of the event.
Wednesday, March 25th
8:00am: Breakfast Available
9:00am-12:00pm: Morning Training
12:00pm-1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm-5:15pm: Case Study
Thursday, March 26th
8:00am: Breakfast Available
9:00am-12:15pm: Morning Sessions and Panels
12:15pm-1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm-5:00pm: Sessions
5:00pm-6:30pm: Networking Reception
Friday, March 27th
8:00am: Breakfast Available
9:00am-12:00pm: Panels and Session
12:00pm-1:30pm: Lunch
~1:30pm: Adjourn
Pre-Conference Training Day (March 26, 2025)
Emerging fund managers won’t want to miss this hands-on session designed to provide the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to launch and scale successful CDVC funds. Topics include fundraising, deal sourcing, impact measurement, and more.
Join us as we come together to transform communities, create opportunity, and build a more equitable and sustainable future.
Hotel
There is a room block secured at The Washington Plaza Hotel for attendees of this conference. Please click here to make your reservations before March 9th, 2026 to obtain the discounted rate of $289/night.
