WE Gather with FUNDING + Access to Capital EXPO - A 2025 Business Accelerator Series

WE Gather with FUNDING + Access to Capital Afternoon EXPO - A 2025 Business Accelerator Series Date: May 22, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Morning Session: 9:00 AM to Noon Afternoon Expo: Open to the public, Noon to 4:00 PM Open to: Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Nonprofits, and ANYONE interested in funding and capital! Understanding and securing the right funding are critical for growing and sustaining your business. "WE Gather with FUNDING" is meticulously designed to equip participants with the necessary tools, strategies, and confidence to effectively secure the capital they need. This includes exploring traditional, alternative, and grant funding options available from federal, state, and local funders/grantors. Morning Workshop Overview: Join us for an in-depth workshop where we'll dive into the essential preparation for attracting funding. Hear from leading experts on obtaining funding who will provide practical advice and inspiring success stories to guide you through your funding journey. Choose One of Three Breakout Work Sessions: Funding Bot Workshop: Engage hands-on with the Funding Bot to identify and match with suitable funding sources. Learn how to combine funding programs based on your financial needs and credit history. Lean Canvas Workshop: Discover how to quickly craft your Lean Business Plan in this interactive session. Leave with the tools and resources to expand your business planning and funding access, using our one-page Lean Canvas as a model and resource to use throughout your business lifecycle. Documents & Artifacts Workshop: Understand the essential documents and artifacts needed to secure a loan or grant. Learn how to format a concise 2 to 5-page business plan and pitch deck. What to Expect: Explore the Funding Landscape: Gain deep insights into a variety of funding options, including federal, state, and local loans, grants, and alternative financing methods. Panel Discussion with Funders: Engage with a panel of funders who will provide valuable insights and answer your questions about what they look for in successful applications. Breakout Work Sessions: Choose the session that best matches your short and long-term needs. Afternoon Access to Capital EXPO: Open to the public from noon to 4:00 PM. Connect directly with federal, state, and local lenders, explore supportive federal and state programs, and meet local business service providers. Support Beyond the Gathering: Our commitment to your business journey extends beyond today. Take advantage of our not cost professional advising support and additional resources. Join us for a day full of learning, networking, and direct engagement with funders to propel your business forward!

Speaker(s):

Co-Sponsor(s): The 2025 WE Gather Accelerator Series is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and partners: Platinum Sponsors: High Country Bank and CHFA Gold Sponsor: The Minority Business Office of Colorado Office of Economic Development + International Trade (OEDIT) Bronze Sponsor: Western Colorado University Grant Funding: Freeport-McMoRan Grant and our primary grant supporters, including SBA, Chaffee County, Lake County, and Park County Collaborators: Chaffee County Public Health Nonprofit Support: Chaffee County Community Foundation Without this invaluable support, we wouldn’t be able to offer this Business Accelerator Series. Thank you for helping us empower entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders across rural Colorado!

The Colorado SBDC Network is working towards ensuring all of our web content is accessible to all users, including those with sensory, cognitive, and mobility disabilities. Please email sbdc@state.co.us or call 303-860-5881 or Schedule a phone call ONLY if you need to request reasonable accommodations to access the services we provide. Examples of accommodations include: Sign language interpretation for an event, meeting, or appointment; An assistive listening device for an in-person meeting or event; Alternative document formats (such as Braille or large print)

Fee: $ 29.00