Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers for small businesses—especially for those led by women, people of color, and other underrepresented founders. But traditional bank loans aren’t the only path to funding.
Join
Oralia Alvarez, capital access advocate and financial strategist, for an insightful session on alternative funding sources that are transforming the small business landscape. In this workshop, you’ll discover how
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and impact-driven organizations like
Mission Driven Finance are supporting businesses that often get overlooked by traditional lenders.
Oralia will walk you through real-world examples of how entrepreneurs have successfully secured capital using non-traditional methods, and provide actionable tips to help you do the same. From flexible lending programs to mission-aligned investment opportunities, this session is designed to help you understand the evolving funding ecosystem and find the right fit for your business goals.
What You’ll Learn:- What CDFIs are and how they differ from traditional financial institutions
- How organizations like Mission Driven Finance evaluate funding opportunities
- Real-life strategies used by founders to access mission-aligned capital
- Steps to prepare your business for alternative lending and investment
- How to align your values with your funding strategy for long-term success
Perfect for startups, early-stage ventures, and small businesses seeking capital to scale
with purpose, this session is your roadmap to financial resources that truly work for you—not against you.
