Founders leading mission-driven organizations may wonder if a CDFI is right for them as they assess their fundraising options. For those that are early in their business journey— especially first-time founders— a CDFI can offer the kind of financial and technical support that enables you to invest in the areas of your business that need the most assistance in order to thrive. So, how can you set yourself and your business up for success when searching and applying for CDFI funding?

The Nasdaq Center is thrilled to be joined by leaders from BMO, Working Solutions CDFI, and Stella for a deep dive into CDFIs: who they’re for, how to find the right one, and what you need to properly prepare when applying. You’ll receive guidance from both the lender and the entrepreneur perspective on best practices for initial engagement with CDFIs as well as strategies for nurturing relationships long-term so that you and your business can continue to reach new heights!

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding CDFIs: what are they, how they differ from other funding options, benefits and challenges
• Navigating the CDFI Landscape: how to identify the right CDFI for your business needs, understanding eligibility criteria, preparing the right documents and information
• Successful CDFI Engagement: what is the application process like and how to enhance your application, strategies for building and nurturing relationships with CDFIs

Flossie Hall

CEO, Stella

Flossie is a Veteran Navy spouse and accomplished serial entrepreneur who has generated and exited 7-figure businesses across e-commerce, ed-tech, CPG, mass production and more. She has built and scaled global entrepreneurial education training programs, accelerators, and military programs using both remote and in-person educational curricula and technology. Through the programs Flossie has built, she has had an impact on thousands of founders globally to start, scale, and sustain their own businesses.

Flossie has secured global partnerships and sponsorships with companies such as Amazon, USAA, Nasdaq, Yahoo Small Business, and more. Flossie has been featured in Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square.

Flossie stays incredibly busy managing a portfolio of companies and teams across CPG, Marketing and EdTech, as well as stepping into her role as CEO of San Diego-based non-profit Stella Foundation, serving female founders and female funders globally. Flossie resides in Western NY with her husband and four children. She loves all things NPR, the ocean, and reading a book a week.

Connect with Flossie:

Personal Website: www.flossiehall.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flossiehall/

FB: www.facebook.com/flossiehall

Twitter: @flossiejhall

Titi Ikhile

Chief Program Officer, Working Solutions

Titi Ikhile joined Working Solutions in 2016 and serves as Chief Program Officer. She holds a Masters Certificate in Business Analysis from Villanova University, a B.S. in Finance & Entrepreneurship from University of Southern California and she is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional.

Titi has worked in the area of small business lending and business coaching for over 10 years. Prior to joining Working Solutions, she worked for Citibank, JPMorganChase, Small Business Development Center and ran her own consulting business. In her prior positions, she was responsible for managing and growing multimillion dollar clientele portfolios while overseeing the clients’ lending and deposit needs.

In addition to her diverse background in lending and business coaching, she brings a wealth of experience in financial analysis, sales & marketing and business development.

Ronald L. Milsap

Director, U.S. Zero Barriers to Business, BMO

Ronald L. Milsap is Director, U.S. Zero Barriers to Business, where he is responsible for managing and leading programming for under-represented and underserved, specialty programs, as well as developing specialized strategy, customized products, training and education across BMO Bank, N.A. U.S. footprint. Ron has over 17 years of blended banking experience in commercial underwriting, business banking relationship management and sales, and retail banking management. Prior to joining BMO, Ron served as the CRA Officer for Providence Bank & Trust overseeing its lending, services, and investments into low-to-moderate income communities. Ron is passionate about serving the diverse needs of communities, non-profits and small businesses and leveraging his skills to deliver innovative, industry-specific financing and cash management solutions to help BMO clients realize their vision for success. Ron earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. Ron is a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and a graduate of the Chicago Urban League’s IMPACT Leadership Development Program. Ron serves on the boards of Invisible Institute, E.G. Woode and the South Shore Chamber of Commerce. Ron is an advisory board member of Community Desk Chicago and a volunteer and mentor with several youth-based organizations. Ron currently resides in Chicago with his wife, son, and daughter.

Paloma Vidgen

Women’s Business Development Strategy Lead, BMO Commercial Bank

As the daughter and granddaughter of entrepreneurs, she is passionate about helping business owners and entrepreneurs meet their professional and personal goals. With 15 years in banking, spent developing strategy and building partnerships across wealth management, commercial and business banking, she creates programs and solutions that help our women business owners and female executives thrive.

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]