FJWO was proud to join Opportunity Finance Network’s annual conference in New Orleans last week, marking our second major OFN gathering this year where we shared our work advancing child care and worker cooperatives. As a member of OFN and part of the mission‑driven finance community, we are always energized by the chance to connect with peers, partners, and funders who are expanding access to capital where it is needed most.

Throughout the week, we met with current and prospective funders, joined receptions hosted by Wells Fargo and National Cooperative Bank, and connected with many of our cooperative finance partners including Cooperative Fund of the Northeast (CFNE), Shared Capital Cooperative, Local Enterprise Assistance Fund (LEAF), Rochdale Capital, Coastal Enterprises, Inc., and others. On Thursday morning, CFNE and FJWO hosted our annual Coop and Employee Ownership Breakfast, welcoming thirty attendees for conversation and networking.

A highlight of the week was Friday’s panel, “Caring for the Care Economy: Expanding Capital Solutions for Childcare Providers,” moderated by Megan Teare of Wells Fargo and featuring leaders from LIIF, DreamSpring, and Jonathan Ward, Director of Lending at the Fund for Jobs Worth Owning. The session explored how CDFIs are broadening their support for childcare providers through flexible capital, facilities financing, and housing solutions that stabilize and strengthen this essential sector. Jonathan was proud to spotlight worker‑owned child care cooperatives and share how ownership, voice, and shared governance create better jobs and more resilient childcare businesses.

This panel also reflects our deep partnership with Wells Fargo, whose investment in our work with child care and home care cooperatives continues to expand what is possible for new worker‑owners who are too often overlooked by traditional financing. Their commitment to the care economy is helping build durable, community‑rooted businesses that deliver essential services and create jobs worth owning.

We also want to extend our appreciation to OFN for organizing one of the most impactful and seamless conferences in the mission‑driven finance field. Their leadership continues to strengthen the national community of CDFIs working toward economic justice. On Thursday, we were proud to cast our vote in the annual OFN Board elections and wish the newly elected directors a successful and meaningful term.

FJWO left New Orleans inspired, grateful, and ready to deepen our work supporting worker‑owners across the country. We look forward to continuing these conversations and partnerships in the months ahead.

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