Launching Pad Capital: Turning Dreams Into Reality

In this free online webinar, experts in the field will demystify business lending and empower start-up entrepreneurs with knowledge to secure funding to launch their business.

By the end of the session you will leave with practical tools and resources to apply for business loans.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Speakers

Yessenia Rios
Vice President of Community Lending · Community First Fund

Yessenia started her career in the financial industry 18 years ago with Citadel Federal Credit Union where she spent 11 years providing banking solutions to meet consumer needs. After graduating with an MBA from Elizabethtown College, she joined Community First Fund as a Credit Analyst – in this role the desire to become part of the growth and success of our communities flourished. She then transitioned to the lending team as a Community Lender for Harrisburg Carlisle, where she stayed for two years. Yessenia was provided an opportunity to accelerate her career with PNC Bank as the VP Relationship Manager for Community Development Banking in Central Pennsylvania. In December of 2023, Yessenia returned to Community First Fund where she brings a multitude of knowledge and experience as VP Community Lender for York, Adams, and Franklin Counties. Aside from a passion for building relationships and providing lending solutions for clients, Yessenia is an active Board Member for Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity and ASSETS Lancaster where she now Chairs the Loan Review Committee in partnership with local bankers.

Denzel Brown
Senior Loan Officer · Assets

Denzel is a Lancaster native and a graduate of McCaskey High School. He furthered his education by studying at HACC and Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining ASSETS, he worked in the banking industry at Santander Bank, BB&T, and First National Bank of PA. While there, Denzel gained experience as a lender and relationship manager and developed business relationships. Denzel believes that the most efficient way to bridge the economic gap for women and minorities is through business ownership and success achieved not only through knowledge but through business capital tailored for and accessible to those markets that find challenges going through the standard lending channels.

Kimberly B. Stout
Economic Development & Lender Relations Specialist
U.S. Small Business Administration Philadelphia District Office

As an Economic Development & Lender Relations Specialist, Stout is responsible for promoting the SBA lending programs and maintaining a network of collaborative partners to assist, promote and protect small businesses. Prior to joining the SBA team in October 2013, Stout worked as a Business Development Director for Community Action Development Corporation of Allentown. She trained and mentored small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs on how to start and operate a small business focusing in the areas of business planning, marketing and financial assistance. Stout gained her small business experience while owning and operating a restaurant in Shippensburg, PA. Stout earned her bachelor’s degree in Geography/Regional Development and a master’s degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

Register!