This year, Bloom Credit Union, Grow and the People First Economy’s Local First program are partnering for this month’s Local First regular Coffee Hour event, powered by Bloom Credit Union. Our Coffee Hour events will now offer an opportunity for businesses participating in services from both Grow and Local First to mix during the month of July. And you’re invited! You’re guaranteed to have great, local coffee and we encourage you to come create organic community connection with participating businesses.

Join People First Economy at our upcoming Coffee Hour, where we’re empowering entrepreneurs to grow further in connection and community.

What is a CDFI? CDFIs promote financial inclusion and economic development among communities who’ve experienced the discriminatory practices of traditional financing. Our focus is local, and we support the historically underserved. Our motive is not pure profit; we work purposefully toward a more equitable, accessible, and just economy.

CDFI’s deploy loans to support business owners which leads to greater community impact. Examples include jobs created, jobs retained and an increase to business owners’ net asset.

Host Highlight: Mercadito is a place to enjoy a fun snack or dessert inspired by street food and market signature creations from all over Mexico! We are a welcoming space for friends, families and neighbors, specializing in different kinds of Tamales and hot beverages such as atole and champurrado. This will be a year-round destination with featured ice cream creations in the summer!

Safety expectations: We’d like to continue meeting monthly, in-person for our Coffee Hour events. To safely do so, event attendees are expected to adhere to current CDC recommendations. Masks are optional and we have developed a sticker system to identify attendees’ comfort levels. Changes to this protocol will be made when/if necessary.

We hope you’ll join us for good coffee and even better conversation!

Associated Business: Mercadito Mexican Eats & Treats!