Bridging the Capital Access Gap
Although entrepreneurship is often touted as an arena of equal opportunity, there are major systemic barriers to realizing this ideal – one being access to capital. ICIC and LISC came together for Bridging the Capital Access Gap, a five part chapter series that takes an in-depth look at the small business financing industry and ways that business owners can use this knowledge to gain access to additional avenues of capital.
In addition to providing these resources online, we’ll be hosting virtual watch parties with partners across our national network to watch and learn together.
Overview
Although entrepreneurship is often touted as an arena of equal opportunity, there are major systemic barriers to realizing this ideal – one being access to capital. LISC and ICIC came together to create "Bridging the Capital Access Gap", a five-part video series that takes an in-depth look at the small business financing industry and ways that business owners can use this knowledge to gain access to additional avenues of capital.
Watch the chapters listed below to better understand the small business lending landscape in your market, the basics of loan underwriting and credit management for entrepreneurs, effective strategies for seeking capital and how to cultivate long-term relationships with lenders. The video series is designed to build the capacity of business support organizations and their teams across a range of experience levels, including those who are new to the financing landscape or have worked in conventional lending.
Chapter 1: The Lending Landscape
Accessing capital requires entrepreneurs to understand and navigate their local lending landscape. Join us to better understand how you can help a business identify when and which loans to apply for, find the right lender to engage with and develop long-lasting relationships with lenders as an organization.
Chapter 2: Underwriting Basics
Underwriting is a key step in accessing capital but it doesn’t have to be a challenge. Hear expert advice on how you can help small businesses have a smoother underwriting process. Explore key points lenders will evaluate when reviewing credit & debt history and more.
Chapter 3: Creating Quality Capital Applications
Submitting a loan or grant application means putting a business' best foot forward. How can entrepreneurs best prepare for review? Find out about the challenge of lending to start-ups, financing alternatives, getting loan ready and how business owners can improve their credit.
Chapter 4: Preparing for the Next Level
To best prepare for accessing new capital, a business should understand how a financial institution will weigh its debt capacity. Attendees of this final Capital Access Watch Party will leave understanding the importance of Debt Service Coverage, strategies for collateral management and advanced steps to continue improving future loans applications.
Chapter 5: Resources for Professional Development
Join small business capital access specialist and trainer Susan Brown, host of Bridging the Capital Access Gap, and participate in a live Q&A with professionals across the nation. Submit questions in advance using the chat feature in previous Bridging the Capital Access Gap watch parties, or during this event.