Message from BDB President Susan Rabinowitz, Bank of America Market President.
Every business is unique and different, and the same can be said for its needs—except for pretty much one: capital. Every business can benefit from better access to capital.
The Business Development Board of Martin County listens closely to local business leaders. Thanks to our Pulse visits—in which we visit with various CEOs, entrepreneurs, and innovators—we learn insights that inform the content addressed in our educational forums. Our upcoming “Demystifying Access to Capital” workshop directly responds to such outreach.
Demystifying Access to Capital will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on September 13 at the Flagler Center in downtown Stuart. It is free and offers a complimentary breakfast. Best of all, the knowledge shared and connections available will prove invaluable.
A list of esteemed local and state speakers will address funding opportunities ideal for everything from small startups to established multi-million undertakings. Those include:
- Katherine Culhane, Associate Director, Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College
- Emad Ghobar, Development Representative III, Florida Commerce
- Robert J. Harvey, President & Executive Director, Florida Opportunity Fund and Florida Development Finance Corp.
- Pamela Stewart, President, Black Business Investment Corp., and Pathways Capital Funding, Inc.
- Michael Weiner, Bond Counsel, Industrial Development Authority and Partner, Holland & Knight LLP
- Bill West, West Advisory and BDB Consultant, will moderate the workshop
The means of obtaining capital span the spectrum. They’re diverse and adaptable to every type of business and circumstance. Still, most remain vaguely understood and imposing to approach. That’s why the workshop is intentionally structured to enlighten attendees on everything from micro and small business loans, to lending economic tools, and alternative funding sources.
Business owners will also gain tips on attracting and closing private investors, preparing compelling grant funding requests, and even fortifying the company’s business plan to ensure that requests for capital clearly correspond with its critical service areas and address its core priorities.
Business is never easy, and plenty of economic headwinds always emerge to challenge both new and established companies. Still, few things hamper the growth of small businesses as impactfully as an inability to obtain and infuse needed capital into the operation efficiently.
Fortunately, Martin County is home to institutions and individuals willing and able to assist local businesses. Sometimes, it comes down to knowing who and what to ask—and there’s no better place to get the answers to these questions and more than at the Demystifying Access to Capital Workshop.
Call 772-221-1380 or email office@bdbmc.org to register, or scan the QR code.
