S.G. Atkins CDC, Women’s Business Center, WSBCC host Access to Capital Summit

More than 100 business owners spent the day talking with banks, lenders and other potential investors last Friday during the third annual Black Business Access to Capital Summit.  The summit hosted by S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation, the Women’s Business Center, and the Winston-Salem Black Chamber of Commerce was designed to help entrepreneurs connect with funders, secure resources, gain insight, and connect with other businesses owners.   According to Olajumoke Michael, organizer for the event and director of Women’s Business Center, funding is one of the biggest hurdles facing small business owners. Capital is the lifeblood of any business but especially small businesses. Without adequate financing through loans, commercial lending, or investment capital, most entrepreneurs cannot start new businesses or grow their existing companies. That’s why the summit was started to get local business owners in the room with those with the capital.  “We’re ensuring that we stay true to our goal which is helping people get access to capital. This is one of the major concerns that we hear from the businesses we serve,” Michael said.  Following breakfast and welcoming remarks from event host and sponsors, including Forsyth Tech Small Business Center, Center for Creative Economy, and Piedmont Federal Bank,...