Path to Prosperity Workshop

Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET at Albany State University – West Campus, 2400 Gillionville Road, Albany, Georgia 31707, in Student Center Ballroom C266.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in partnership with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (FDIC), is hosting a series of regional economic development workshops on the “Path to Prosperity” in Mississippi, Kentucky, and Georgia to provide small businesses, including farmers and ranchers, with the resources and tools they need to grow.

Through the “Path to Prosperity” regional economic development series; Federal, state, and local government agencies, along with private sector and non-profit partners, will provide small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs with resources and an opportunity to engage with experts and each other to learn best practices. The no-cost series features experts in how to start a business, how to access capital, and how to do business with the government. They will also include facilitated lender-small business matchmaking sessions. In order to meet participants where they are, the partnership will be conducting a pre-event assessment. Additional resources and experts will be provided based on any further needs.

Presenters will discuss:

• Incentivizing unbanked and under-banked small business owners and individuals to establish a sustainable relationship with an insured financial institution,
• Expanding technical assistance and financial education for small business owners and individuals to improve their bankability,
• Increasing the number of SBA certified lenders to provide access to capital for small, minority, and underserved businesses, and
• Developing contracting relationships with Federal government and private industry partners.

Workshop participants include small businesses, financial institutions, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), trade groups, local, state, and Federal agencies, community leaders, nonprofits, and community-based staff representing organizations.

All participants must register to attend either “In Person” or “Virtually” at Path to Prosperity - Georgia (https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA0MjQuNzU2NzQwMTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy56b29tZ292LmNvbS93ZWJpbmFyL3JlZ2lzdGVyL1dOX2V4TGVLaFRmVGlLR0Z5bm9aaGJ6TlEifQ.RDm9tECSTJkC_DrCU6cAGlgWtMZbp_mpw4g1d5GVm1M/s/2948373025/br/163070421506-l)