CDI Annual Conference 2026: Scaling Community-Based ETA and EO

Community Development Investors’ (CDI) Annual Conference is designed to advance community-based Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) and Employee Ownership (EO) as powerful tools for inclusive economic growth. As millions of baby boomer–owned businesses approach retirement, the United States faces a historic ownership transition. CDI is responding to this “Silver Tsunami” by building the infrastructure that connects retiring business owners with qualified entrepreneurs from economically underserved communities, preserving jobs, sustaining local enterprises, and expanding pathways to wealth creation. The conference will bring together MBA students, ETA searchers, small business owners, lenders, investors, advisors, policymakers, and philanthropic partners to support the next generation of entrepreneurs creating opportunity in underserved communities.