FINANCIAL FORUM:

Access to Capital for Small Business

Gain the knowledge, connections, and confidence to access the capital your business needs to grow.

Join HEI Florida’s Financial Forum: Access to Capital for Small Business for a full day of expert-led sessions featuring Palm Beach County officials, commercial lenders, CDFIs, and economic development leaders.

Learn how to navigate funding opportunities, strengthen your commercial credit, and connect with the resources available to help your business succeed.

Presented By

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Seats fill fast.

This is a high-impact event for the South Florida small business community.

Thanks to our Sponsors

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AUGUST 21st, 2026

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Venue: Palm Beach State College — Boca Raton Campus

Address: 801 Palm Beach State College Dr, Boca Raton, FL 33431

Lecture Hall HT - 103
Language: English (with Spanish Interpreter)

Seating is limited.

Buy your ticket today.

Why Attend?

Most entrepreneurs and small business owners in South Florida are leaving money on the table — not because funding doesn't exist, but because they don't know how to access it, what lenders are actually looking for, or how to build the credit profile that opens doors.

This forum changes that. In one day, you'll sit across from county officials, CDFI leaders, commercial bankers, and economic development experts — and walk away with a clear, actionable roadmap for accessing the capital your business needs to grow.

You will leave knowing

Which programs and 2026 priorities are most relevant to your business
What Palm Beach County Economic Development resources are available to you
What banks, CDFIs, and credit unions are looking for when you apply
How commercial credit works — and how to build or repair it fast
How to connect with the programs, people, and support built for your stage of growth

PREPARE TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Agenda

8:30 a.m.	Registration & Networking
9:00 a.m.	Welcome Remarks
9:20 a.m.	Keynote \| "USA 2026: Programs, Priorities & Pathways to Capital"
10:10 a.m.	Session \| "Economic Development, Small Business Policy & the Road Ahead for Palm Beach County Entrepreneurs"
11:00 a.m.	Panel \| "Your Capital, Your Choice: Navigating Commercial Lending Across Banks, CDFIs, and Credit Unions"
12:00 p.m.	Session \| "The Commercial Credit Blueprint: Build Strong, Repair Fast, Borrow Confidently"
1:00 p.m.	Panel \| "Resource Map: Connecting to Programs, People, and Support for Your Business"
1:50 p.m.	Closing Remarks & Dismissal

Who Should Attend?

This event is built for the South Florida business community. If any of the following describes you, this forum is for you:

Founders and entrepreneurs at any stage of business development
Small business owners seeking financing, credit building, or growth capital
Service providers to small businesses: accountants, attorneys, consultants, coaches
Anyone who has been told 'no' by a lender and wants to understand why — and what to do next
Business owners who want to understand the full landscape of funding options in South Florida