Financing Your Business

Are loans right for your business? - Are you unsure of the options available? - Do you know what’s necessary to pursue these options?

If you’ve already started your business and now find it’s time to expand…how do you choose what type of financing will work best for you?

Join First Citizens Bank, the Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) and the Central Virginia SBDC as we explore loan options, preparations required, and how to find the right lender. We will cover bank loans as well as some non-traditional loan options. We will explore the options available for businesses to raise capital for expansion and growth...and how to find the right option for your business!

Speakers include:

Bryan Thomas, Senior Vice President at First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company. First Citizens specializes in small business loans, offering microloans to meet everyday needs all the way to multi-million dollar loans. The Bank also offers specialty loans, including SBA loans, and has helped nearly 23,000 clients access the Paycheck Protection Program funding.

April Gatewood, Business Services Representative at First Citizens Bank & Trust Company. April has more than 14 years’ experience in the banking industry having held various positions from a teller, operations management and financial services. She has a passion for building relationships with small business owners to help foster business growth and helping to address business banking and credit needs. April is born and raised in Charlottesville and is a proud mom to two boys.

Ariel Bredder, Assistant Director, CV SBDC. Ariel received her degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Christopher Newport University. Ariel has enjoyed working with several small businesses in the roles of sales and marketing, customer service, administration and bookkeeping. Ariel is also a Certified Success and Emotional Intelligence Coach. As the Assistant Director and Business Advisor, Ariel provides assistance and coaching to support small business owners.