Access to Capital Panel - NAWBO Oregon Professional Development Forum

Access to capital remains a top challenge for women business owners, and it’s different depending on where you’re at in your entrepreneurial journey. This conversation—led by our partners at Bank of America—brings together women entrepreneurs with start-up businesses, $1 million-plus businesses and those who are somewhere in-between. Learn how to gain access, utilize and invest capital to position your business to withstand any economic uncertainties.

Accessing Capital is a top Advocacy Initiative for NAWBO

ACCESSING CAPITAL THROUGH INCREASED FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATION AND DIGITAL TOOLS

BACKGROUND DATA: Although women-owned businesses surveyed have been in business on average for 14 years, fewer than a third reported having a credit rating. Most women-owned businesses used personal savings, private loans, and loans from family and friends to finance their business. 45% of these business owners still process payroll by hand using spreadsheets.

ASK OF CONGRESS

• Lawmakers must investigate viable ways to educate women and minorities on developing long-standing relationships with financial institutions.
• Establishing open communication with local and national banks and other financial institutions available to finance small businesses is critical.
• All entrepreneurial development programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), such as Women Business Centers (WBCs), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and SCORE, should host events and otherwise create pathways for WBOs to connect WBOs with financial institutions to form these much-needed relationships.
• Whether investing in software programs for payroll or seeking guidance on utilizing social media tools, our business owners need to understand how to capitalize on extra funding to grow their businesses.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Hampton Inn & Suites Portland Tigard, 11799 Southwest 69th Avenue, Tigard, United States