Beyond Banks: Alternative Avenues to Business Financing

You might think starting, or even growing, your small business is out of reach. Think again! Join us for this free session, hosted by the Town of Oro Valley, aimed at empowering entrepreneurs to locate the necessary funds for their ventures.

Here’s What You Will Learn

Attendees will explore a diverse range of alternative investment avenues designed for entrepreneurs seeking innovative funding solutions beyond traditional banking and equity investments.

Danny Knee, Community Investment Corporation's (CIC) Executive Director, will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various options, including equity crowdfunding, micro-loans, revenue-based financing, character-based lending, and more. Discover opportunities for low-interest alternative financing tailored for business owners, as well as the abundance of local resources and support available, including assistance from CIC.

Registration Details

Registration is open to all business owners with ties to Oro Valley (i.e., live in Oro Valley, have a business located in Oro Valley, sell goods/services in Oro Valley, etc.).

The workshop will be held at the Oro Valley Town Hall: Town Council Chambers. We will offer livestream viewing of the presentation portion for those unable to attend in person. To participate in the Q&A after the presentation, in-person participation is required.

About the Speaker

Danny Knee is the Executive Director of Community Investment Corporation (CIC), a nonprofit organization that works to increase access to the economy through homeownership, education, and entrepreneurship. He has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector which includes overseeing the development of over 500 affordable homes as the Coordinator of a HOPE VI project in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and as Deputy Director of Habitat for Humanity Tucson.

Under his leadership, CIC has been recognized four years in a row at the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce Copper Cactus Awards – including twice as the region’s most impactful nonprofit organization. In 2024, CIC was selected as the recipient of the “Vital Nonprofit Bloom Award” by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona.

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Danny also has an MBA from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in City & Regional Planning from Rutgers University. Also, a co-founder of Single Focus Web, a web development company he started with his wife, Cecily, he brings experience as an entrepreneur and small business owner to CIC. Danny's professional work now focuses on disparities in capital access and creating solutions to reduce inequities in how money moves in through our economy.

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