Community-Driven Economic Empowerment Awardees are Rooted in Growth

Lilliana, founder of UPHEALING, an interior design firm based in Bedford, shared her entrepreneurship journey rooted in passion and knowledge with the audience.

“We all start with a passion project,” she said. “I think you also need knowledge and you also need a great network...

“This program gives us access to more than just a financial stipend — it’s really access to meeting other people like you .... [and] understanding other aspects of the business.”

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lilliana’s business faced significant challenges.

“I was one of those few businesses that didn’t really have the loan capabilities during COVID,” she said. “I ended up making $4,900 for the entire year.”

Then, she learned about C-DEE and applied for a grant to support new software and equipment to grow UPHEALING.

“I bounced back and I’m very grateful for that,” she said. “It’s really rewarding to be able to help others like I was helped when this program started.”

Launched in 2023, C-DEE draws on the Community Loan Fund’s experience connecting local businesses with the financing and coaching they need to thrive. Since then, C-DEE has awarded $330,000 in funding to 115 small business owners and provided 157 entrepreneurs with technical assistance.

C-DEE is a partnership of the Community Loan Fund and the Business Alliance for People of Color. The Small Business Development Center provides no-cost coaching to all the applicants and Sheehan Phinney offers legal services to select awardees on a pro-bono basis.

Community-Driven Economic Empowerment Awardees are Rooted in Growth

Removing Barriers

Removing Barriers

Liliana's Entreprenerurship Journey