In recognition of National Small Business Week, you are invited to the Southeast States “Path to Prosperity” regional economic development series, hosted in Georgia at Albany State University West Campus on Tuesday, May 2. The Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Small Business Administration (SBA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have partnered to provide individuals, small businesses, including agriculture enterprises (farmers and ranchers), and communities, useful information, tools, resources, and an opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions intended to create economic progress.  The no-cost series features experts in the lending industry, Federal Government, community partners, and stakeholders. 

This event will include panel discussions comprised of economic and lending experts, community partners, and stakeholders, who will identify challenges, and share best practices and innovative solutions to accessing capital and contracting opportunities. Presenters will discuss how financial institutions, non-profits, public and private sectors, and community-based organizations encourage the development of a “Path to Prosperity” by:

• Incentivizing unbanked and under-banked small business owners and individuals to establish a sustainable relationship with an insured financial institution,

• Expanding technical assistance and financial education for small business owners and individuals to improve their bankability,

• Increasing the number of SBA certified lenders to provide access to capital for small, minority, and underserved businesses, and

• Developing contracting relationships with Federal government and private industry partners.

This event will include lender matchmaking sessions for small business owners across Southeast States, to include Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. It will help to expand bank referrals of small businesses and technical assistance from business development organizations.  Attendees include financial institutions, CDFIs, trade groups, local, state, and Federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations who support the small business community.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at Albany State University – West Campus, 2400 Gillionville Road, Albany, Georgia 31707, Room# Student Center Ballroom C266.     

All participants must register to attend either “In Person” or “Virtually.”

To register, please click here: “Zoom Link”. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing your unique link to join the meeting, “Virtually.”  Registration is limited. Please register today!

This event is the eighth in a national series geared toward communities across America and U.S. territories that have traditionally not been afforded access to the same level of resources and economic development enjoyed by larger metro areas. The “Path to Prosperity” series provides Federal partners an opportunity to highlight their programs such as the FDIC’s “Money Smart Financial Education Program”, SBA’s Capital, Contracting, and Technical Assistance Programs and USDA’s loan, grant, and procurement opportunities.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jacqueline Davis-Slay at [email protected], or 202-422-2551. Thank you in advance for your participation!

Tuesday, May 2

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET

Albany State University - West Campus
Student Center Ballroom C266

Register today!