RenewAll’s Executive Director Earns National Economic Development Certification

Last Updated 4/17/2025

This March 2025, Lauren Kemp, Executive Director of RenewAll Inc., received certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) from Grow America, bringing new tools to West Huntington’s growth. EDFP Certification is a professional credential given to individuals who successfully complete Grow America’s intensive economic development finance training series. The training provides individuals working in the field of economic development with instruction in business credit analysis, real estate financing, loan packaging, deal structuring and negotiating, and the creation and implementation of development programs.

Each of the four EDFP Certification Program courses are five days in length and concludes with an exam. Upon successful completion of all four courses, the candidate is awarded EDFP Certification.

Kemp said the training provided many examples of how public-private partnerships advance economic development and evaluate the strength of small businesses. She said, “I hope to utilize the knowledge to bring new opportunities to West Huntington and support the growth of small businesses in Central City's Historic District. ”

More About Grow America

Grow America’s work focuses on homes, jobs, and community. Founded as a national nonprofit in 1969, Grow America has worked for 46 years at fulfilling its mission to increase the flow of capital for investment in low-income communities. Grow America directs capital to support the preservation and creation of affordable housing, the creation of jobs through training and small business lending and the promotion of livable communities through investment in social infrastructure. Grow America’s products and services are deployed for the benefit of our municipal and nonprofit partners in both urban and rural low-income communities.