Every entrepreneur hopes their business will succeed, but sometimes it can be difficult to determine what factors will actually support or undermine the longevity of their business. Founders early in their business journey or with limited financial knowledge may wonder: How do I develop realistic budgets? How can I best allocate resources? How do I prepare for potential risks and mitigate their impact?

The Nasdaq Center is thrilled to be joined by Niamh Kristufek, Head of U.S. Business Banking at BMO; and Heather Tuason, CEO at ARENA; During this discussion, we’ll explore the significance of forecasting and the impact it can have on your business. Drawing from their expertise in banking and financial management, our special guests will provide a practical framework for proper forecasting that will allow you to focus more time on strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• What a financial forecast really is
• Why forecasting is important for every business
• How to build your revenue forecast and your expense forecast
• Stressing your forecast for good times and bad

Registration for the event enters you for a chance to WIN 3 months of FREE CFO Services with ARENA, subject to the Sweepstakes Official Rules.

OUR SPECIAL GUESTS

Niamh Kristufek

Head of U.S. Business Banking, BMO

Niamh Kristufek is BMO’s Head of U.S. Business Banking, responsible for spearheading the growth of their segment across 32 states as they deliver on their commitment to provide innovative products, digital-first capabilities, and simplified customer experiences to help small businesses make real financial progress. Raised by parents who were small business owners, Niamh has a profound appreciation for the vital role businesses play in a strong economy and thriving communities. Her passion for leadership combined with her commitment to eliminating financial barriers to inclusion has led to the launch of Zero Barriers to Business. The initiative is part of BMO’s EMpower commitment aimed at fostering an inclusive economic recovery for all.With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Niamh started her career in credit and commercial lending at LaSalle Bank. In 2011, she joined BMO as Vice President, Special Assets Management, specializing in commercial debt restructuring and reorganization. In 2014, she joined BMO’s Credit Risk team and was promoted to the Head of U.S. Business Banking Credit Risk in 2017. Niamh earned her Masters of Business Administration at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Lake Forest College. She serves on the board of Envision Limited, a Chicago-area non-profit serving adults with disabilities through day programing and housing. Niamh resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and three children.

Heather Tuason

Founder and CEO, Arena

Heather is a Stanford grad where she studied product design, she is the founder and CEO of Arena, a fintech aimed at supporting businesses with fractional CFO and accounting services. After spending over 20 years in banking it was clear that businesses needed much more than a bank could offer to succeed and thrive! At Arena clients receive a fractional CFO that they can hire as they grow, accounting professionals and experts in early stage, growth stage and exit stage companies. We pride ourselves in watching our clients achieve the optimal profit margin for their business while proactively managing their finances.

Heather is based in Northern Virginia, has 4 children and likes to spend time outdoors. She also likes to travel and can often be seen working from a new location just about every week.

About Arena:

Arena provides CFO services simplified to businesses across the U.S.! Now any business can operate as efficiently as a large company with our “Tech & Touch” fintech platform. Our mission is to empower businesses to achieve their strategic goals. Providing active management of their finances and regularly measuring performance against their goals. Named for the renowned Teddy Roosevelt speech given in 1910, Arena is built for the entrepreneur – the man in the arena, the doer of deeds – who dares greatly.

Connect with Arena:

• Linkedin
• Instagram: @arenaroosevelt
• Facebook
• Youtube

The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center is a 501c(3) public charity whose mission it is to make entrepreneurship accessible to all. We deliver world-class resources and mentoring to enable every entrepreneur across the globe to realize their maximum potential. Please join us and make your gift to ensure these transformative programs may continue to reach the underserved.

All Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least 48 hours in advance of this event; please send an email to [email protected] with the subject header ACCOMMODATION REQUEST. For assistance with registration or other technical difficulties, please contact [email protected]