$4.6M in expenses

Small business programsledc's business support services offer coaching and financing options designed to meet the needs of emerging and established entrepreneurs across washington, DC, maryland, virginia, and puerto rico. Our experienced team provides a full range of services including workshops, structured learning cohorts, and one-on-one business guidance on topics such as business planning, licensing, digital presence, sales, financial recordkeeping, and using technology for operational efficiency.ledc also offers a range of business and personal credit-building loans, from $500 to $2,500 in interest-free options, and up to $250,000 in small business loans. As a u.s. Treasury-certified community development financial institution (cdfi) since 2003 and an SBA-recognized lender, ledc's products are designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are and support them through every phase of business growth. Specialized programming is available for entrepreneurs looking to join tailored peer learning groups or access early-stage capital. For businesses operating in areas undergoing rapid economic change, ledc provides subsidized consulting, including lease review and negotiation services.

$1.9M in expenses

Housing programsledc's housing programs provide homeownership counseling and foreclosure prevention services that help individuals and families achieve long-term housing stability. As a HUD-certified counseling agency, our team guides first-time homebuyers through the full purchasing process from financial readiness to accessing down payment and closing cost assistance. We also support homeowners at risk of foreclosure by helping them evaluate options and navigate sustainable solutions. In fy2024, ledc provided homeownership education to over 2,800 individuals and one-on-one counseling to nearly 500 clients, helping 169 families become informed first-time homebuyers.in addition to homeownership support, ledc assists tenants in understanding their rights and maintaining housing stability. Through partnerships with tenant associations and legal protections such as the tenant opportunity to purchase ACT (topa), ledc helps residents in over 66 buildings-representing more than 4,100 units-preserve affordability and improve their housing conditions.

$8.8M in expenses

Direct community investments (dci)the direct community investments department was launched in 2020 to provide rapid, efficient financial relief to individuals and small enterprises during economic disruptions. Contracted by public agencies and philanthropic partners, dci built streamlined systems to simplify the application and distribution process for financial aid. The team developed a custom software platform that enables fast disbursement, accurate reporting, and data-informed decision-making.dci emphasizes accessible services that meet people where they are culturally, linguistically, and technologically. With its proven systems and responsive approach, dci has become a trusted administrator of emergency and recovery programs. As of fy2025, the department had delivered $130 million in financial assistance to support individuals, families, and small businesses across the communities we serve.

$162K in expenses

Ledc's financial empowerment department equips individuals with tools to make informed financial decisions, build long-term stability, and reduce exposure to economic risk. The program helps participants understand the key factors influencing financial behavior and teaches practical strategies to manage money, increase savings, and reduce debt.through a mix of group and personalized sessions, participants learn to create budgets, improve credit, and set achievable financial goals. The curriculum emphasizes the connection between borrowing and repayment behaviors and provides tools to understand credit scores and the broader banking system. Counseling sessions include free access to credit reports, guidance on disputing errors, and debt management planning. Clients can also be referred to additional support services, such as small-dollar loans or housing programs, to continue building toward greater financial security.