"There were 5.4 million applications to start companies in 2021, a 53% jump from pre-pandemic levels in 2019," states a February 2022 article in Axios. With nearly unprecedented interest in new business starts in the U.S., it is imperative that microbusiness development organizations and their partners support community entrepreneurs to build the best businesses they can. One crucial need is access to capital.

As part of their strategy to support the community, Huntington Bank has expanded its small business lending programs into its new footprint to commit $10 billion over five years, $2 billion of which will focus on lending to minority-owned businesses or businesses operating in majority-minority communities. Learn more about the Huntington Bank Lift Local Business Program, which is focused on growing locally-owned businesses.

Additionally, attendees will hear about various capital options from the many community development finance institutions (CDFIs) serving Ohio; resources from Small Business Development Centers; Kiva lending protocols; and OCDCA's resources, including our Microbusiness Development Grant Program and Recoverable Grant Fund.

Presenters:
Paige Sanchez M.Eng, Program Manager, Huntington’s Lift Local Business, The Huntington National Bank
Alison D. Goebel, PhD, Executive Director, Greater Ohio Policy Center
Ellen Harvey, Certified Business Advisor, Ohio Small Business Development Center, Columbus State Community College
Suzanne Parks, Director of Asset Development, Ohio CDC Association

This webinar is supported by Huntington Bank. It is free to attend.