COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS

What COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS does

The Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (CEDC) is a nonprofit Community Development Corporation (CDC) founded in 1997 and headquartered at 235 North Front Street in New Bedford, Massachusetts. It operates at the intersection of immigrant services, workforce development, and economic revitalization primarily in New Bedford's North End and broader Southeastern Massachusetts. CEDC serves a diverse low- and moderate-income community base, including immigrants and Maya-K'iche' newcomers, small and microbusiness entrepreneurs, low-income taxpayers, and neighborhood residents, delivering services through a multilingual staff fluent in Spanish, English, Cape Verdean Kriolu, Portuguese, and K'iche'.

CEDC's core service platform comprises nine programs: an Immigrant Support Network, neighborhood-based ESOL classes, small and microbusiness development, free VITA tax preparation (serving 1,500+ households and returning $3.5M to the local economy annually), community organizing, place-based revitalization through the Love the Ave initiative, a shared-use commercial kitchen for food entrepreneurs, and bilingual health and wellness programming with healthcare navigation. The organization's Certified CDC status (since 2013) and DOJ Board of Immigration Appeals recognition (since 2016) enable specialized funding streams and immigration legal services. There is no underlying technology platform; services are delivered in-person and through partnerships with schools, health centers, and community organizations.

CEDC's revenue model is fully grant and donation dependent, with a recurring emphasis on the Massachusetts Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) program that offers donors a 50% state tax credit on gifts of $1,000 or more. The organization is currently executing its most significant strategic initiative: the Capitol Resilience Hub, a $11M+ adaptive reuse of the historic 1920 Capitol Theater into a 10,550 sq ft mixed-use facility combining CEDC headquarters, six affordable apartments, a healthcare clinic, immigration legal services, a banking center, and commercial space, expected to open in 2027.

Name

COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF SOUTHEASTERN MASS

Legal name

Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts

Website

https://cedcnewbedford.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

CEDC is a nonprofit Community Development Corporation in New Bedford, Massachusetts that delivers immigrant support, ESOL, small business development, free tax preparation, community organizing, and health programs to low- and moderate-income residents across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Development Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Administration of Housing Programs, Urban Planning, and Community Development (925)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Civic, Citizenship & Community Engagement Education (EDAAAEAI)

Keywords

• Community development services
• Immigrant support services
• Workforce development programs
• Small business development
• Tax preparation services

Headquarters

HQ city

New Bedford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Grants: The organization relies heavily on donations and grants from government agencies, foundations, and individuals. They participate in the Massachusetts Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) program where donations of $1,000+ receive a 50% state tax credit.
2. Capitol Resilience Hub Development: Over $11 million has been committed to the Capitol Resilience Hub project including $1.5 million from MassHousing, $6 million in state and federal historic tax credits, $2 million Program Related Investment, and funding from Citizens Energy, Vineyard Wind, Bristol County Savings Bank, and Schrafft Charitable Trust.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CEDC is a nonprofit Community Development Corporation providing a one-stop suite of free community services in New Bedford's North End, including multilingual immigrant navigation, ESOL classes, free tax preparation (VITA), small business coaching, a shared-use commercial kitchen, community organizing, and health/wellness programs. The organization also spearheads place-based revitalization (Love the Ave) and is developing the $11 million Capitol Resilience Hub, an adaptive reuse of the historic Capitol Theater into a mixed-use community facility with affordable housing, healthcare, legal services, and a banking center.

Product overview

CEDC offers a unified suite of community services focused on immigrant support, workforce development, and economic revitalization in New Bedford's North End. The core services include the Immigrant Support Network (multilingual navigation services), ESOL classes, Small and Micro Business Development, Free Tax Preparation (VITA site), Community Organizing, Place-Based Revitalization (Love The Ave), a Shared Use Kitchen for food entrepreneurs, and Health & Wellness Programs with Healthcare Navigators. Major initiatives include the Capitol Resilience Hub development project (adaptive reuse of historic Capitol Theater), Patio de Comidas food festival, and the Festival Típico Guatemalteco. The organization serves as a comprehensive community resource center addressing the diverse needs of low- and moderate-income community members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Immigrant Support Network Multilingual support services helping immigrants in New Bedford navigate housing, legal services, job applications, health insurance, and school enrollment. Offered in Spanish, English, Cape Verdean Kriolu, and Portuguese by staff immigration attorney and senior immigrant support staff.
• English (ESOL) Classes Neighborhood-based English language classes held twice weekly for beginner and advanced beginner learners, focused on conversation skills for real-life use. Augmented by the Tabor Academy Juntos volunteer program, which contributes 600+ volunteer hours annually from ~75 high school students.
• Small and Micro Business Development Business support services for entrepreneurs including business planning, licensing and permitting assistance, financial education, marketing support, and individualized coaching. Targeted at food entrepreneurs, immigrant-owned businesses, and microbusiness startups in New Bedford.
• Free Tax Preparation (VITA) Free tax preparation services during tax season helping 1,500+ households annually file accurate returns. Year-round assistance with ITIN applications, IRS letter responses, and predatory tax preparer issues; helps claim EITC and other refundable credits.
• Community Organizing Organizing New Bedford residents around housing, public safety, public transportation, and access to neighborhood resources to build collective power and create positive change.
• Place-Based Revitalization (Love the Ave) Neighborhood revitalization initiative along Acushnet Avenue supporting small businesses, activating public spaces, and hosting community events including the Patio de Comidas food festival and Festival Típico Guatemalteco.
• Shared Use Commercial Kitchen Certified commercial kitchen providing affordable access to professional-grade equipment and workspace for food entrepreneurs, along with guidance on licensing, food safety, and ServSafe Certification.
• Health & Wellness Programs Community health programs including health screenings, Spanish-language prenatal and postnatal groups, nutrition and cooking workshops, mental health counseling, and women's wellness groups for community members.
• Healthcare Navigators Bilingual navigator service helping community members access affordable health coverage, connect with care providers, and navigate the healthcare system.

Quantifiable outcome

• Returned $3.5 million to local economy through tax refunds and credits
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Tabor AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Tabor Academy's Juntos program brings ~75 high school students annually to volunteer alongside adult ESOL learners at CEDC, contributing 600+ hours per year. Partnership began in 2016 after Jon Sirois attended an immigration forum hosted by CEDC. The program creates a welcoming space where both language skills and relationships grow. The Polaroid Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation and the Island Foundation support CEDC's ESOL program.
• WHALE (Waterfront Historic Area LEague)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPre-development work completed in collaboration with WHALE on the Capitol Theater adaptive reuse project.
• studio2sustain inccoreTechnology or IntegrationArchitecture and design practice committed to sustainability partnered with CEDC beginning in 2018 for the Capitol Theater project. Designed the innovative green roof system using sedum plants for stormwater mitigation.
• New Bedford Community Health CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated clinic will be located in the Capitol Resilience Hub first floor, providing healthcare services in a convenient neighborhood location.
• Southcoast Federal Credit UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBanking center branch will be located in the Capitol Resilience Hub first floor, providing financial services in the central community thoroughfare.
• Senator Mark Montigny, Rep. Antonio Cabral, Rep. Christopher HendrickscoreOthersState legislators supporting CEDC's Capitol Resilience Hub project and community development efforts.
• Bus Riders UnitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity advocacy organization partnering with CEDC on transportation access issues.
• City of New Bedford (Multiple Departments)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Health Department, Office for Environmental Sustainability, and other city departments. ARPA Funds and Community Preservation Committee funding support projects.
• Coalition for Social JusticeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide coalition working on economic justice issues.
• Coastal Food ShedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFood access organization supporting local food systems.
• Free Fare CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition advocating for free public transportation.
• Healthy Homes / Massachusetts Association of CDCsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide organization of Community Development Corporations focused on healthy housing.
• Love the Ave / MassDevelopment - TDIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCEDC spearheaded creative placemaking on Acushnet Avenue leading to Love the Ave initiative. District designated as MassDevelopment TDI (Transformational Development Initiative) in 2021.
• MIRA Coalition (MACI host site)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMassachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, CEDC hosts MACI site.
• New Bedford Public SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting immigrant families with school enrollment and education access.
• PACE (People Acting in Community Endeavors)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal community action agency. CEDC programs originally part of PACE before forming foundation of new CEDC in 1997.
• UMass DartmouthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership supporting community development research and programs.
• United Way of Greater New BedfordminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunder and partner supporting community programs and services.
• Women's Center - South CoastminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting women's wellness groups and services at CEDC.
• Building Pathways South (Fiscal Sponsor)minorOthersCEDC serves as fiscal sponsor for this organization.
• Cosecha (Fiscal Sponsor)minorOthersCEDC serves as fiscal sponsor for this immigrant rights organization.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Catholic Charities Boston: Large Massachusetts social services organization providing immigrant services, ESOL, refugee resettlement, and basic needs support. Comparable as a much larger incumbent operating overlapping programs but with broader religious-affiliated scope and scale.
• NeighborWorks America: National network supporting over 250 CDCs including affordable housing and community development. Comparable as a national umbrella for CDC-certified organizations with overlapping certification pathways and capacity-building support.
• ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development): Massachusetts' largest community action agency providing ESOL, workforce development, tax preparation, and basic needs. Comparable as a large incumbent community action agency operating similar program categories across a broader geography.

Direct peers

• International Institute of New England: New England immigrant services organization providing resettlement, ESOL, job training, and legal services. Comparable as a regional immigrant services nonprofit with overlapping ESOL and workforce development programs.
• Harborlight Community Partners: Massachusetts-based CDC providing affordable housing, community organizing, and supportive services on the North Shore. Directly comparable as a Certified CDC delivering integrated housing and community development services to low-income populations.
• Lawrence CommunityWorks: Lawrence, Massachusetts CDC providing immigrant support, ESOL, small business development, and affordable housing. Closely comparable given shared immigrant-focused mission, multilingual service delivery, and CDC structure in the same state.
• MIRA Coalition: Massachusetts statewide immigrant and refugee advocacy coalition of which CEDC is a MACI host site. Directly comparable as a Massachusetts immigrant services and advocacy organization serving overlapping populations and policy objectives.
• The Neighborhood Developers: Chelsea-based CDC focused on affordable housing and community building in Greater Boston. Comparable as a Certified Massachusetts CDC delivering affordable housing development alongside resident services and community organizing.

Others

• United Way of Greater New Bedford: CEDC's local funder and program partner in Greater New Bedford. Comparable as a regional grantmaker and community-services convener with overlapping service portfolio and direct funder relationship to CEDC.
• Project Bread: Massachusetts anti-hunger organization addressing food access and food insecurity. Comparable as a Massachusetts nonprofit addressing adjacent social determinants of health for low-income populations, including food entrepreneurs and immigrant families.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-economic-development-center-of-southeastern-mass

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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