CCLF JOINS SMALL BUSINESS EVENT AT THE AURORA PUBLIC LIBRARY
July 26, 2026
Wendell Harris, EVP of Lending and Equity, Daniel Gutierrez, Loan Associate, Crystal Windless, Intern, and David Feinberg, Director of Coaching and knowledge Transfer at the Small Business Event Hosted by Representative Barbara Hernandez.
State Representative Barbara Hernandez invited small business owners from Aurora’s 50th District to an informational event for new and existing businesses. Attendees learned about affordable loans, grants, and technical assistance offered by community development financial institutions (CDFIs) serving the Aurora area. Chicago Community Loan Fund participated alongside, Allies for Community Business, and Self-Help Federal Credit Union on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
The event took place at the Aurora Public Library, where each CDFI gave a brief overview of its loan products and the technical assistance it offers.
Small businesses in Illinois’ 50th House District need capital that reflects the area’s working-class, immigrant-rich population and diverse industries, including retail, food service, healthcare, construction, and logistics Representative Hernandez wanted her constituents to understand not only where to find loans, but also how to access the financing best suited to their needs. CDFIs are mission-driven financial institutions that provide fair, responsible financing in economically distressed or underserved communities. Certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund, they help strengthen local economies, expand affordable housing, and support small businesses.
“Allies, Self-Help, and CCLF work together to offer a range of lending solutions that meet the needs of Aurora businesses,” said Wendell Harris, EVP of Lending and Equity at CCLF. “CCLF provides real estate loans, our partners offer working capital, and all of us provide technical assistance. We want to be a partner to help your businesses grow.”
Wendell Harris with State Representative Barbara Hernandez
Representative Hernandez closed the event by noting that each lender had an information table and invited attendees to speak with them one-on-one about the capital they need to take their businesses to the next level.
“I wanted to be sure small businesses in my district have access to low-interest loans to help with salaries, renovations, equipment and other expenses,” stated Rep. Hernandez. “Banks are not the only option for financing; nonprofit loan funds like CCLF and Allies for Community Business and credit unions like Self-Help can offer more flexible and faster access to resources.”
