Getting Capital Ready: Banking Borrowing & Building Your Financial Strategy

This workshop series helps entrepreneurs navigate banking and funding with confidence—covering how to build strong financial relationships, identify the right capital sources, and prepare to successfully secure funding.

Building a Banking Relationship - June 3

The first workshop in the three part series kicks off with, Building a Banking Relationship, which will help entrepreneurs develop a strong, strategic partnership with a banker who understands their business. Participants learn how to assess their banking needs, compare financial institutions, and choose the right bank and banker to support their goals. The session covers common banking questions, account structures, digital tools, cash flow support, and key services for day-to-day operations. It also highlights fraud protection, communication best practices, and common banking pitfalls to avoid. By the end of the workshop, business owners gain the clarity and confidence to build a banking relationship that supports long-term growth and success.

Sources of Financial Capital - June 10

The series continues with Sources of Financial Capital, this workshop helps entrepreneurs understand the wide range of funding options available at different stages of business growth. The session explains the differences between debt and equity financing and explores common capital sources, including self-funding, crowdfunding, microloans, community lenders, investors, fintech lenders, SBA programs, and traditional banks. Participants also learn when each option may be most appropriate based on their business goals and cash-flow needs. The workshop introduces the SBA lending process and reviews three common financing tools: business lines of credit, term loans, and draw-to-term loans. The goal of this workshop is to equip entrepreneurs to be better prepared to evaluate funding opportunities and choose capital strategically with confidence and long-term sustainability in mind.

Preparing for Financial Capital - June 16

The final session of the series, Preparing for Financial Capital, helps entrepreneurs become capital ready and confidently prepare for future financing opportunities. Participants learn what lenders look for in a strong loan application and how to build a complete financing package using business plans, projections, and financial statements. The workshop covers capital planning, the role of personal and business credit, and how to effectively communicate a business’s financial story. It also explains the Five C’s of Credit, the importance of cash flow in lending decisions, and how to strengthen credit and prepare supporting documentation. This session provides business owners with practical tools, greater confidence, and a clear action plan to improve their chances of securing financing.

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