Last week, Memphis took a powerful step toward a more financially secure future for all of its residents. Trey Moore, EDGE’s Small Business Specialist, joined community partners, city officials, and citizens for the Memphis CityStart Financial Empowerment Meeting, an intensive brainstorming session dedicated to shaping a stronger financial landscape in our city.
Hosted by the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD), in partnership with the national nonprofit Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), the meeting marked the first phase of Memphis’ involvement in the CityStart initiative. This innovative program equips cities like ours with the tools, resources, and funding to develop a clear, actionable blueprint for boosting financial stability and wealth-building opportunities.
At the center of this initiative is connecting deep community insight with practical policy solutions, aiming to break cycles of financial insecurity and help individuals and families thrive. Memphis was recently selected to join CityStart, receiving a $100,000 planning grant and access to CFE Fund’s specialized technical assistance.
The kickoff session brought together diverse voices, from government leaders and nonprofit advocates to entrepreneurs and residents, to discuss the challenges facing our communities. As EDGE’s representative, Trey Moore contributed insight from the front lines of economic and small business development. By identifying and addressing the barriers entrepreneurs face, EDGE plays a key role in fostering empowerment, strengthening neighborhoods, and advancing inclusive economic growth across Memphis and Shelby County.
This approach aligns closely with Mayor Paul Young’s vision for Memphis as a city of opportunity and resilience. CityStart’s framework offers a structured path to analyze financial barriers, collect essential local data, and design targeted tactics that reflect the lived experiences of Memphians.
The CityStart initiative will unfold in two phases. This initial “learning phase” focuses on gathering data and insights through stakeholder discussions, resident engagement, and landscape analysis. In the second “design phase,” CFE Fund and the City will collaborate to build a comprehensive blueprint tailored to Memphis’ unique needs and priorities.
For EDGE, participating in CityStart underscores our commitment to driving sustainable, comprehensive economic growth. From our Small Business Loan Program to our broader work connecting businesses and communities to critical resources, we believe financial empowerment is a cornerstone of thriving neighborhoods and an adaptable local economy.
As Memphis moves forward in the CityStart journey, EDGE is excited to remain an active partner in these conversations, shaping practical solutions that ensure all Memphians have the tools and resources to create wealth, weather financial challenges, and seize new opportunities.