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Introducing RDF’s El Colibrí Learning Lab

RDF introduces El Colibrí Learning Lab to drive growth for nonprofits serving underrepresented communities with micro-lending. The first session in February 2025 will provide essential skills for economic growth.

Creating resilient transformational change juntos!

The journey toward a brighter future is built on collective strength—facing challenges together and co-creating innovative solutions. At RDF, our mission is to empower organizations serving underrepresented communities with the tools they need to drive meaningful impact.

Today, we are thrilled to introduce El Colibrí Learning Lab, a groundbreaking initiative designed to to equip UnidosUS Affiliates and other community-based non-profits with the expertise to expand micro-lending services for entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities.

We’ve crafted the program con cariño - with genuine care—right from its name. The hummingbird, or colibrí, is a powerful symbol of good fortune, transformation, and interconnectedness. Just as this remarkable bird supports nature through cross-pollination and regeneration, organizations serving underrepresented communities foster economic opportunities and growth within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

To deliver expert-level training, RDF has partnered with CAMEO, a leading Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and business management trainer. Together, we aim to equip our affiliates with the knowledge and tools necessary to promote entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in their communities..

In February 2025, RDF will host the inaugural training at our headquarters in South Phoenix. This immersive four-day program will provide affiliate representatives with opportunities to:

  • Engage with fellow leaders and share best practices
  • Receive comprehensive training in business trends
  • Develop expertise in underwriting, credit history analysis, and loan review processes

Ultimately, participating organizations will gain a deeper understanding of how to launch or expand their lending services to better support entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities.  

We are excited to welcome this inaugural cohort:  

By enhancing affiliates’ capacity for direct lending, El Colibrí Learning Lab will play a pivotal role in shaping a stronger, more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape for entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities.

Follow RDF on social media to witness the transformative impact of El Colibrí Learning Lab as it unfolds. Together, we are creating resilient, transformational change—juntos!

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