Delta Dreams: Financial Empowerment for East Arkansas Entrepreneurs

Event description

Step into a world of opportunity at Delta Dreams, a special event dedicated to empowering East Arkansas entrepreneurs. 

Join us for an engaging afternoon of panels, networking, and resources designed specifically to help you take your business to new heights or start a new venture.

Unlock the Secrets of Financial Success

Our lineup of experts will share insights into both traditional and non-traditional small business funding options. 

Discover the opportunities available through Community Development Financial Institutions, microlenders, and banks. From understanding what to include in your business plan to navigating the application process, we've got you covered.

But that's not all! Dive deeper into financial topics during our focused Q&A sessions. You'll have the chance to connect with panelists and get personalized advice tailored to your business needs. 

Build Your Network 

Business ownership can be lonely, so come engage with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders. 

Plus, explore the resource expo featuring organizations like the SBA and ASBTDC, ready to provide you with the tools and support you need to succeed.

Don't miss this opportunity to turn your business dreams into reality. Join us at Delta Dreams and take the next step toward financial empowerment and entrepreneurial success.

Panelists

• Candence Brooks, Small Business Lender, Communities Unlimited
• Latanyua Robinson, East Arkansas Regional Director, FORGE Community Loan Fund
• Adriana Fuentes, Vice President of Community Development, Arkansas Capital Corporation
• Charity Hallman, Senior Vice President of Community and Economic Development, Hope Credit Union
• Ralph Brown, Chief Lending Officer, Southern Bancorp
• Christian Pennington, Lender Relations Specialist, SBA Arkansas District Office
• Benito Lubazibwa, CEO, ReMix Ideas
• Jack Poff Jr., Director, ASBTDC at ASU Mid-South
   

Panels will be moderated by Deborah Temple, President of the Arkansas CDFI Coalition, and Laura Fine, State Director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center.

What financial topics will be covered?

• What are the small business funding options available in the community, region, and state, including loans and other sources? Who qualifies? 
• What if you’ve been turned down for a small business loan before?
• What about small business grants?
• How do you identify and avoid predatory lending?
• What factors should you consider when deciding which type of funding is right for your business?
• What are the application requirements, process, and timeline for both traditional and non-traditional financing? 
• How can you make your business "bankable," or financing-ready? 
• Ask your specific questions directly to lenders during small group Q&A!

Presented by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and the Arkansas CDFI Coalition in cooperation with Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas at Helena-West Helena