Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC)

Ledc's small business programs offer coaching and financing to low-to-moderate income aspiring and existing small business owners in dc, md, va, and pr. Ledc's small business Development team offers group workshops and individualized technical assistance on diverse topics including business planning, licensing, online presence and sales, accounting basics, financial management, and technology integration to increase productivity. The team also offers programming specific to women entrepreneurs that includes cohort-based training, mentorship and seed capital. Ledc subsidies specialized consulting services for businesses operating in gentrifying business corridors e.g. Lease negotiation advice. Ledc's lending program offers interest-free credit-building loans from $500 to $2,500 and small business loans from

Ledc's direct community investments department (dci) is contracted by government entities and private donors to rapidly deploy financial assistance to vulnerable families and small businesses.the department was launched in fy2020 as a response to needs emerging from the covid-19 pandemic, and began its operations in the design of efficient program application processes that minimize applicant burden; the Development of custom software that allows for the collection and processing of applications, and live, continually-updated reporting; and the rapid transfer of funds to grant recipients within short time horizons.

Ledc's housing department offers services in three areas - affordable housing preservation in dc and works to preserve multi-family, rental, housing as affordable and prevent the displacement of low to moderate income renters. Through education, technical assistance, tenant organizing, and advocacy, ledc's organizers help renters establish tenant associations so they may leverage dc's tenant rights. Ledc also works with cooperatives to ensure ongoing sustainability. In fy2022, the team supported 72 buildings, including 3,962 units, and preserved atotal of 2996 dc affordable units. Housing counseling program- ledc is a hud-certified housing counseling agency that helps families in the metropolitan area to buy their first home and save their homes from foreclosure. Our housing counselors help prospective fthb to