Michelle Harati
Creating a More Inclusive Economy With the Help of “Community Navigators”
This Small Business Week, we are highlighting how the Community Navigator Pilot Program, administered by the Small Business Administration, is investing in local and national partnerships with trusted organizations to reduce the barriers entrepreneurs face in accessing critical support. Partners work with small business owners across the country, including veterans, women, people with disabilities, and those from rural places and communities of color.
The Federal Policies We Need to Support Financial Stability for All
As Financial Capability Month 2023 comes to a close, we are urging the passage of policies that can help close wage gaps and make economic mobility a reality for millions of people—critical legislation that will increase incomes, ensure access to fair, affordable banking and support accurate credit reporting.
Economic Mobility Corps Fuels CDFI Financial Resiliency Programs
The Economic Mobility Corps program is investing in the capacity of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) while expanding inclusive access to workforce development opportunities within the field.
Connecting Communities through Affordable Broadband
LISC’s Michelle Harati looks at how recent federal investments in broadband affordability will help connect more households and expand access to shared prosperity within historically underserved communities.
A Place-Based Approach for Advancing Equity through the Economic Development Administration
As Congress looks to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the first time since 2004, LISC’s Matt Josephs and Michelle Harati take a look at new bipartisan legislation that offers a place-based approach to expand equitable access to EDA resources.
Equitable Pathways to Small Business Recovery
A playbook from LISC and Next City that offers a framework for pursuing equitable pathways to small business success, and lays out contextualized strategies related to capital access, small business capacity, and commercial real estate.
Building an Infrastructure of Opportunity
LISC’s Michelle Harati takes a look at key provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which she says will help address systemic disparities through sustained investments in people, places, and small businesses throughout the country.
For an Inclusive Recovery, We Need Support for Small Business and the Groups that Help Them
LISC’s Michelle Harati reflects on the role of Business Development Organizations in supporting place-based economic recovery and calls for federal funding to support their vital missions.
Invest in Financial Coaching to Fuel Equitable Recovery
New federal investments in financial coaching would help historically underserved populations recover from the pandemic and at the same time help bridge long-standing gaps in wealth and income. LISC’s Michelle Harati takes a look at three policy efforts that could support scaled up coaching initiatives and long-term, positive impact.
Webinar: Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) Program
LISC held a webinar on the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program to provide information on program eligibility and application preparation, with an emphasis on helping venues in underserved communities prepare for rollout through actionable steps and best practices.