Lia T. Gaines is Executive Director of the Center for Enterprise Opportunity, (formerly known as the Business Loan Fund of the Palm Beaches, Inc.)  She has also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Business & Economic Development & Revitalization Corporation (BEDR).   In her career, her work has yielded significant impacts in the creation, retention, and expansion of businesses and jobs in historically underserved areas.  Prior to her work in the private sector, Ms. Gaines served as Chief Aide to the first African American Commissioner in Palm Beach County, Maude Ford Lee and was instrumental in establishing Palm Beach County’s first Economic Development Office and the first Overall Economic Development Plan. Her work with Commissioner Lee resulted in the funding of a countywide network of business incubators, and the establishment of the only U. S. Dept. of Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in Palm Beach County.

Ms. Gaines joined the Center for Enterprise Opportunity (CEO) in August of 2010. Under the leadership of this well-regarded steward, CEO has stabilized its portfolio following the most severe economic decline in recent history and developed a compelling growth strategy. The Center for Enterprise Opportunity now provides business training, credit counseling, and customized business coaching in addition to direct lending to small and emerging entrepreneurs.  The CEO provides lending products of three revolving loan funds awarded through the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, the U. S. Small Business Administration, and the Federal Home Loan Bank - EDGE Fund (PNC).  Through these three revolving loan funds, CEO has provided access to capital to over 360 businesses, created and sustained more than 1,900 jobs, and provided over $9.2 million in financing to small and minority enterprises and community development projects.  The Center for Enterprise Opportunity is the only Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, Hendry and Okeechobee Counties.

 

 

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