Sharing Capital Access Expertise Across the Region

Over the past several weeks, CDFI Friendly has been actively presenting across northern Indiana, connecting entrepreneurs, students, and community partners with practical insights on accessing capital and building stronger businesses.

Through workshops, panels, and training programs, the organization continues to help demystify the funding landscape for entrepreneurs—highlighting the many pathways that exist beyond traditional bank loans.

Recent presentations include:

February 25
Elkhart Small Business Resource Toolkit Launch

CDFI Friendly served on an expert panel at the Lerner Theatre in Elkhart during the launch of the Elkhart Small Business Resource Toolkit. The event brought together community partners to introduce a new resource designed to help entrepreneurs navigate local business support services, including access to capital, mentorship, and technical assistance.

Panelists discussed financing options available to entrepreneurs and the importance of building strong connections within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Read more about the toolkit launch here:
https://www.cdfifriendlysouthbend.org/news/newelkhartbusinessresource

February 26
IU South Bend Entrepreneurship Certificate Program

The following day, CDFI Friendly presented at Indiana University South Bend’s Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, serving as the lead presenter for Capital Access Day.

The session focused on helping aspiring entrepreneurs understand the range of funding tools available to small businesses—from grants and crowdfunding to loans and community development financing. Participants explored how entrepreneurs can build effective capital stacks and prepare themselves to work with lenders and investors.

Learn more about the program here:
https://box.iusb.edu/cie/index.html

March 7
South Bend Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (SBEAP)

CDFI Friendly also presented for the University of Notre Dame’s South Bend Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (SBEAP) at the McKenna Center.

The session focused on making connections with financial institutions, providing entrepreneurs with practical guidance on how to approach lenders, communicate their business plans effectively, and build the relationships necessary to secure financing.

More information about the program is available here:
https://mckennacenter.nd.edu/global-programs/south-bend-entrepreneurship-and-adversity-program-sbeap/

March 10
Emerge Entrepreneurship Hub (Niles, Michigan)

CDFI Friendly also presented in Niles, Michigan for the Emerge Entrepreneurship Hub, leading a session focused on capital access for small businesses.

Following the presentation, time was spent meeting one-on-one with entrepreneurs to discuss capital readiness and help business owners better understand what lenders and investors look for when evaluating funding opportunities. These conversations provided entrepreneurs with practical guidance on preparing their businesses to pursue financing and strengthening their financial foundations.

These presentations reflect CDFI Friendly’s ongoing commitment to supporting entrepreneurs across the region by expanding access to capital, strengthening partnerships, and helping business owners navigate the financial tools available to grow their ventures.

As regional interest in entrepreneurship continues to grow, CDFI Friendly looks forward to continuing to partner with organizations that are equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, connections, and resources needed to succeed.