Join us for a Virtual Lunch & Learn presented by Matthew Schmidt as he shares practical strategies for preparing your business for financing and making the most of SBA lending programs. This session will cover what lenders look for when evaluating loan applications, as well as how SBA revolving lines of credit can help businesses manage cash flow, support operations, and position themselves for growth.

SBA "Are You Lender Ready?"

The SBA’s "Are You Lender Ready?" presentations are designed to help entrepreneurs think like a bank and successfully navigate the commercial loan process. These sessions unpack critical underwriting criteria—such as credit scores, cash flow, and financial statements—while teaching owners how to build a compelling loan package. By learning how to present a solid business pitch and connecting directly with local lenders, participants gain the practical tools needed to transition from seeking capital to securing it.

Unlocking Capital: Maximizing the Power of SBA Revolving Lines

"Unlocking Capital" focuses on utilizing flexible, short-term financing—like CAP Lines and the Working Capital Pilot Program—to optimize day-to-day business operations. Unlike standard term loans, these revolving lines allow owners to draw funds as needed to manage uneven cash flow, cover seasonal inventory, or fund payroll. By leveraging accounts receivable or purchase orders, businesses can secure higher advance rates and lower interest costs, providing the sustained liquidity required to scale and fulfill larger contracts.

Have you ever wondered if your product truly has the upside you believe—or have sold to your investors? Given the remarkable failure rate of new products, it’s worth understanding what separates the winners from the losers, and how you can see more clearly which of those paths you’re on.

“From Half-Baked to Fully-Baked: Getting Your Product Right for Faster Market Uptake” is for entrepreneurs who run lean and can’t afford a new product failure. The talk is based on case studies with local Inc.-5000 companies that, while smart, made product blunders costing millions of dollars because of overconfidence and hubris.