About
Our Story
Our organization started in 1978 to support housing rehabilitation and small business development in Arcata, California. Originally named Arcata Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), our nonprofit was designated as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 2003 which means that we’re committed to supporting disadvantaged and disinvested communities in our funding efforts.
Throughout the next several decades, our position as a leading lender in Humboldt County allowed us to expand our service area and programs beyond Humboldt to the surrounding counties throughout Northern California. Today, we provide business financing and community development in Humboldt, Del Norte, Mendocino, Lake, Trinity, and Siskiyou counties.
We’re not your typical lending institution. As a CDFI, we’re able to prioritize providing affordable loans to those who need them most. For minority-owned businesses or entrepreneurs who don’t qualify for loans from traditional lenders, North Edge is a trusted local partner for accessing the capital businesses need to grow.
We’re so much more than a lender. We also partner with a variety of organizations and programs designed to foster a resilient and equitable rural economy across Northern California. From hosting annual region-wide economic summits to collaborating on projects and initiatives such as Redwood Region RISE, a project of California Jobs First, we’re committed to bringing economic prosperity to our region.
Why a Name Change?
In 2024, we changed our name from Arcata Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) to North Edge: Business Financing and Community Development. Why the name change?
It was time.
When our nonprofit was established in 1978, we only provided lending services for the City of Arcata to support housing rehabilitation and small business development. Since then, we’ve expanded our service area from Arcata to a six-county region and increased the types of services we provide beyond lending. For over a decade, we’ve known that the name “AEDC” no longer reflects how our organization has changed and grown.
It helps us connect with the people we’re trying to help.
We exist to help small businesses grow through our financial lending services and programming—particularly minority business owners and those in the most rural areas of our region. Not only was “Arcata” confusing (we’ve literally had people drive to Arcata for meetings, though our offices have been in Eureka for years), but “Economic Development Corporation” doesn’t easily convey the message of who we’re here for—the business owner. Plus, North Edge is easier to say and remember!
We seek to bring our region to the cutting edge of equitable economic prosperity.
Our six-county region (Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, Siskiyou, and Trinity Counties) covers the most northern parts of California. This remarkable and rural area of the Golden State faces unique challenges and opportunities. North Edge funds opportunities that uplift our region and give our clients the financial edge they need to grow.
Our Region
Serving the Most Northern Parts of California
Since our start in 1978, North Edge has contributed over $91 million in loans to support local businesses and community projects in even the most rural corners of our communities. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we're committed to enriching our region's economy, equity, and environment. With more than $71.7 million directed towards empowering businesses and $17.3 million in supporting community initiatives like new medical centers and affordable housing, North Edge proudly leads the way in building a more resilient and equitable economy for our region.
Our Team & Board
2026 Board Members
Past Board Chair: Walt Geist
Larry Oetker, Board Member
Treasurer: Michael Proulx
Secretary: Janet DePace
Vice Chair: AJ Gonzales
Amber Weir, Board Member
Board Chair, Fawn Scheer
Mandy Marquez, Board Member
Nicole Flora, Board Member
Terry Supahan, Board Member
North Edge Team
Ross Welch
Executive Director since May 2008
Tracy Taylor
Finance Director since June 2022
Brandi Easter
Office Manager since March 2020
Loan Department
Kelli Sterling
Lending Director since September 1999
Hannah Joy
Business Development and Loan Officer since February 2022
Michael Machado
Loan Support Specialist since March 2023
Program Department
Susan Seaman
Program Director since March 2007
Pam Long
Redwood Region RISE Admin Assistant since May 2024
Kelly McGowan
Program Manager since September 2025
Our Designations
501(c)(3)
What does “non-profit” really mean? Unlike most traditional lending institutions that aim to make a profit regardless of your success, North Edge exists to support economic development by funding small business owners and entrepreneurs and is driven by that mission. As a non profit, they are also relieved of many of the regulatory hurdles that prevent banks from lending to businesses considered higher risks, like start-ups.
EDC
An Economic Development Corporation’s job is to promote economic growth in a specific region. As a certified EDC, we are proud to focus our efforts on the most northern parts of California.
CDC
Because economic development in our region starts with you. A Certified Development Company, North Edge is regulated and certified by the Small Business Association (SBA). We work directly with the SBA and other participating lenders and banks to support entrepreneurs and small business owners like you.
CDFI
North Edge’s role as a Community Development Financial Institution, or CDFI brings resources into our communities that support a healthy rural economy, especially for minority business owners.
Join Our Team
Ready to shape the future of our communities and businesses?
Join us at North Edge – where your career fuels meaningful change.
Employment Opportunities
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