Access to Capital in-person panel discussion featuring:
Michael Clark, SVP of Business Development with AR Funding, Inc (Accounts Receivables Funding, Inc) for the last thirty-seven (37) years has worked financing businesses that engage with the Federal Government as either Prime or subcontractors. Prior to AR Funding, Mike held various positions developing and managing portfolios of businesses for other banks and lending companies in and around the Northern Virginia area. He is well-steeped in the subtle differences between government contract lending and the subsequent structuring of effective lending programs to meet his customer and his enterprise needs.
Libo Suen, Marketing and Outreach Team Supervisor, U.S. Small Business Administration - Washington Metropolitan Area District Office (WMADO) leads WMADO’s Marketing and Outreach team. He is the primary point of contact for all external communications and special events associated with promoting WMADO’s business counseling, training and entrepreneurial support programs. In addition to supervising three Economic Development Specialists, Libo cultivates close working relationships with SBA’s portfolio of preferred lenders in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Libo is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Hartford and an MBA from The George Washington University.
Horacio Chacon, Capital Bank. Horacio Chacon is a relationship manager whose work is focused in the commercial and industrial sector of commercial lending. He specializes in lending money for commercial purposes, such as funding business expansion, funding owner-occupied commercial real estate, purchasing equipment or inventory, and meeting working capital needs. Commercial lenders assess the background, industry, and creditworthiness of a borrower, analyze their financial statements and business plans, and determine the terms and conditions of a loan. Commercial lenders offer term loans, lines of credit, and asset-based financing.
Speaking on available grants:
Cynthia Rivarde, Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI). Cindy Rivarde serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), which identifies and develops economic opportunities to help Rockville prosper and lead as a 21st-century city for business. With her 20+ year background in commercial real estate law and development, she leads REDI in new and inventive ways to create economic growth, attract and retain businesses, and highlight Rockville as a premier community for businesses, workers, visitors, and residents. She has previously served as a Deputy City Manager for Coral Springs, Florida, the Community and Economic Development Director for Modesto, California (which included oversight of the City’s Tourism and Convention Center), and the Economic and Cultural Development Director for Coral Gables, Florida. She obtained her law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law, a Master of Fine Art in painting from Towson University, and a bachelor of arts degree in dramatic art/studio art from the University of North Carolina.
Jan Abraham, Worksource Montgomery. Jan Abraham has been a skilled business development manager engaging with businesses providing solutions for 30+ years. Currently, she is with WorkSource Montgomery as a Business Solutions Consultant. WorkSource Montgomery is a community facilitator and connector identifying issues and acting with partners collaboratively to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.
Prior to WorkSource Montgomery, she was an Employee Relations Manager with 22nd Century Technologies, Inc. staffing for the NIH contract and overseeing 70+ Virginia State Contracts. She has her MBA from Marymount University in Marketing and Management and her BA from Ohio Wesleyan University in Political Science.
EMCEE: Laura Nash - West Financial Services.
Laura Nash is a Relationship Manager at West Financial Services serving business owners, high net-worth families and especially women in transition. Laura's specialty is transforming complex financial issues into manageable plans. She works with clients across the country offering financial planning and investment management, including retirement planning, estate planning, and philanthropic giving.
Laura is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. She earned her BA and MBA degrees from George Washington University. She has a Certificate in Organizational Development from Georgetown University. She is the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce.