Treasure Coast Sun

The City of Port St. Lucie is gearing up for its inaugural Access to Capital Expo, aiming to equip small business owners with valuable insights and resources to help them build or expand their enterprises. Scheduled for Thursday, May 9, from 12-4 p.m. at the Port St. Lucie Community Center, the event is free and welcomes both current and aspiring business owners.

Local lenders and small business development resource providers will be on hand at the expo to offer information on business loans, resources, and programs tailored to support small businesses. A panel presentation featuring speakers from the Florida Small Business Development Center, SCORE Treasure Coast, weVENTURE, and the Small Business Administration will kick off at 1 p.m., providing valuable insights on funding application processes. A second panel at 2 p.m. will focus on financing opportunities and procedures, with participating lenders including Bank of America, Marine Bank & Trust, Black Business Investment, and Corporation Pathway.

Elijah Wooten, Economic Development Administrator for the City of Port St. Lucie, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "This is an exceptional opportunity for small business owners to better understand the various resources and commercial loan programs that are available to them." Whether starting a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the Expo aims to shed light on obtaining financing to help small business owners achieve their goals.

Attendees can anticipate gaining insights into free small business resources, understanding lender requirements for loan approval, and engaging directly with lenders and small business resource providers. Refreshments will be provided for participants, with pre-registration required for attendance.

The Access to Capital Expo promises to be a valuable resource for small business owners seeking financial support and guidance in Port St. Lucie's entrepreneurial landscape.