Company culture: 6 novel ways CDC Small Business Finance stands out from others

We are a company with heart. It shows in how we finance small businesses, the employees we hire and nurture, and the communities we build.

Anchoring this concept are CDC Small Business Finance’s long-standing core values: integrity, commitment, teamwork and making a difference. These enduring values capture our company culture and infuses everything we do.

We not only talk the talk, we also walk the walk. Check out the myriad ways CDC shows its unwavering commitment to our company core values every day:

#1: Doing good together

Two times a year, instead of working at the office, we work in the communities in which we serve. Most recently, employees and the executive team volunteered, side by side, to beautify an affordable housing complex in San Diego’s City Heights neighborhood on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We partnered with the Chicano Federation to accomplish this meaningful project.

#2: Investing in scholars’ bright futures

As a mission-based lender, one of our defining pledges is to build and bolster communities. Since 2000, we have demonstrated this by providing more than $250,000 in scholarships to community-minded women and minority students transitioning from a community college in California or Arizona to four-year universities. The annual scholarship is named after Arthur H. Goodman, the company’s founder and noted San Diego philanthropist. Students who’ve received the scholarship have gone on to schools such as UC San Diego, UCLA and UC Berkeley.

#3: Decompressing with twice-weekly yoga

We value the health and well-being of our employees. Twice a week, at our San Diego headquarters, they can enjoy a soothing yoga session geared toward all levels of expertise. We also reimburse employees for qualifying fitness reimbursements, from workout classes to sneakers.

#4: Keeping your mind sharp with CDC University

The CDC management team wants everyone at the company to reach their peak potential. In order to do that, we encourage employees to continue learning. Dubbed CDC University, in-house courses are offered throughout the year covering the company’s history, how to work with spreadsheets, improving time management, and more.

Related: Why company culture is a priority for us

#5: Celebrating ‘man’s best friend’

Productivity and fun should not be mutually exclusive. At least not here. Every year, we host a company-sponsored “Bring Your Dog to Work” Day to celebrate the loyalty and joy we derive from man’s (or woman’s) best friend, whether you’re a pet owner or not.

#6: Saying thanks to employees with annual ‘Ditch Day’

CDC Small Business Finance is steeped in tradition. Since the late 1990s, the company has held an annual “Ditch Day” to celebrate the company’s successes and thank staff for their invaluable contributions to the organization. A typical “Ditch Day” bash involves a State of the Company recap from company chief executive and president Kurt Chilcott followed by an unorthodox team-building activity. In recent years, these have included a bubble soccer match and a scavenger hunt.

Want to learn more about the company culture at CDC Small Business Finance? For more, check out our careers page. If you don’t see a position that fits your current goals, not to worry. We’re always looking for great talent. Send along a copy of your resume to resumes@cdcloans.com, and we’ll keep you in mind if something comes up.