OCS DCL-2022-05 OCS Celebrates National Entrepreneurship Week FY2022

We are pleased to announce that the Office of Community Services (OCS) will celebrate National Entrepreneurship Week throughout the week of February 12^th to February 19^th, 2022. To launch the week-long celebration, OCS is excited to share the new and ongoing projects supporting communities and individuals across the country! In October 2021, OCS awarded $14.6M in Community Economic Development (CED) funding to support 20 new CED grants. These projects are empowering entrepreneurs with access to critical funding to support local businesses and entrepreneurs, creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with low income, and strengthening communities. Learn more about OCS’ efforts to support communities and families in need through the Community Economic Development (CED) Program.

The Community Economic Development (CED) Program

The CED program is a federal grant program that provides funding to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) that addresses the economic needs of low-income individuals and families through the creation of sustainable business development and employment opportunities. CED-funded projects create or expand businesses, create new jobs for individuals with low income, and leverage public and private funding investments in communities. To learn more about the CED program, please visit the following:

• Learn more about the CED program
• Read about CED active projects
• See the impact of CED projects
• Find out how to participate in the CED program

How is OCS celebrating National Entrepreneurship Week?

The Community Economic Development (CED) Program within the Office of Community Services (OCS) is celebrating National Entrepreneurship Week (#NatlEshipWeek) by highlighting the newest CED projects and showcasing how the CED Program is fostering equitable and inclusive community-based economic development efforts that seek to provide employment opportunities for individuals who have been historically and disproportionately left out of the job market. Supporting employment opportunities for these individuals is vital in creating resilient communities and opportunities for all low-income children, families, and individuals to thrive. Learn more about the important work CED is doing across the country through these inspiring grantee spotlight videos.

You can join the celebration by posting on social media about how your organization is building community resilience and supporting entrepreneurs. Don’t forget to add #NatlEshipWeek and/or #CED to your posts.

For more information, visit CED Program Celebrates National Entrepreneurship Week.