Description

Understanding Your Capital Options

What’s the number one thing small businesses says they need more of? Capital. But the harder question is: What kind of capital is actually right for your business? 

We’re bringing together leaders who see business financing from very different sides of the table for a practical conversation about how companies fund growth - and how founders can better understand their options before they start seeking capital resources. 

WHO:

This conversation is designed for founders, entrepreneurs and small business owners who are thinking about growth, preparing to raise capital or simply trying to better understand how the funding landscape works. 

Panel Moderated by Jessica Powell, Founder/Owner, Social Balances, 

Jeremiah Wright, Small Business Leader: Sales Manager, U.S. Bank 

Alexandra O'Hagan, Pre-Seed Investor, Flyover Capital 

Taylor Eubanks, Chief Executive Officer, BlendHQ 

Angel investors to be announced soon...

Together, they bring perspectives across traditional banking, state funding, venture capital, angel investing and the broader capital ecosystem. 

WHAT:

Understanding Your Capital Options will break down the different ways businesses can fund growth -  including traditional lending, SBA programs, alternative capital, angel investment and venture capital. 

This is not a pitch event. It is an opportunity to better understand: 

• Which types of capital fit which types of businesses 
• What banks, investors and other capital providers actually look for 
• When taking outside capital makes sense — and when it may not 
• What founders should have in place before approaching a lender or investor 
• How to think more strategically about financing the next stage of your company 

And this conversation doesn’t end on October 23. Founders who want to take the next step will have another opportunity on November 6 at Meet the Investors - a follow-on session designed to turn education into connection. Instead of founders pitching first, the investors will.  Participating investors will share what they invest in, what they look for, where they can be helpful and what makes a founder or opportunity worth a deeper conversation. From there, founders and investors will have opportunities for intentional 1:1 conversations. October 23 is about understanding your options. November 6 is about meeting the people behind them. 

WHY:

There is no single right way to fund a company. A business that is a great candidate for a bank loan may never make sense for venture capital. A venture-backed company may need an entirely different growth strategy than a traditional small business. And sometimes the best capital decision is understanding what not to pursue. The goal is for founders to leave October 23 with a clearer understanding of the capital landscape, identify which paths may actually fit their business, and be better prepared to have meaningful conversations with capital providers - including those they may meet again on November 6. We look forward to welcoming you!

Lunch will be provided with registration. Registration required to attend. Deadline: October 16, 5PM 

Thank you to our 2026 Small Business Council Series Sponsor: