A modest, unmarked building in South Arlington, Virginia, may go unnoticed by many residents, but for thousands of immigrants, it has been a vital resource for over 30 years. The Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) was founded to help resettle and support immigrants in the Washington, D.C., area. It plays a critical role by offering healthcare, housing assistance, ESL classes, and job placement services for newly arrived immigrants. Its affiliated organization, the Enterprise Development Group (EDG), has further empowered low- and moderate-income immigrants by providing low-interest loans to help them start their own businesses. However, federal budget cuts and government downsizing now threaten the financial stability of these essential services. 

Located in the same building as ECDC at 901 S Highland St, Arlington, VA, EDG has loaned more than $61 million to low-income individuals and immigrants aspiring to start small businesses. The nonprofit provides loans ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 to help fund ventures such as trucking businesses, coffee shops, and restaurants. By partnering with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI), EDG has enabled thousands of immigrants to become small business owners and entrepreneurs. Some borrowers have gone on to achieve great success, giving back to the community in return.