Workshop: Smart Money Moves: Picking the Right Bank and Building Your Case (CATALYST)

Event Sponsors

Access to capital is one of the biggest challenges small business owners face—but with the right knowledge, preparation, and banking strategy, you can dramatically improve your ability to secure financing. This 90-minute interactive workshop equips entrepreneurs at every stage with the practical tools needed to navigate the world of small-business banking and lending.

Participants will explore the full landscape of banking services and financing options available to small businesses, from early-stage funding to growth and expansion capital. We’ll discuss how to identify the right banking partner by evaluating customer service expectations, essential account services, and relationship-building opportunities that support your long-term business goals.

The workshop also breaks down key factors lenders evaluate, including the Five C’s of Credit, and provides actionable steps you can take to increase your funding readiness. You’ll learn how to strengthen personal and business credit profiles, effectively separate business and personal finances, and position your business for approval before you even apply.

Through interactive exercises and real-world examples, participants will walk away with a personalized understanding of:

Financing options by stage of business
What banks look for when reviewing loan applications
How to build a strong banking relationship
Practical steps to increase loan approval odds
How to assess financing sources and determine your financing readiness

Whether you’re preparing to launch or looking to grow, this workshop will help you make informed banking decisions and confidently pursue the capital your business needs.

Facilitated by National Bank of Arizona

This workshop is made possible, in part, by these Foundation Donors:

When you attend this event, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By attending, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction, including but not limited to marketing, promotional purposes, publication, distribution, and public display, without further authorization or compensation.