Setting Up Your Business For Capital Success
May 9, 2025
McMinnville's Q2 - 2025 Business Leader Forum:
Access to Capital and Resource Forum
Unlocking Growth: Why Access to Capital is Key for Business Success
Finding the right access to capital for businesses striving to stay competitive and grow in today's economic climate can make all the difference. Whether you're launching a new product, expanding operations, or simply weathering uncertain times, capital is the fuel that drives innovation, stability, and scale. On May 8th, local entrepreneurs and business leaders had the opportunity to tap into this critical resource at an event designed to connect them with the tools and funding sources they need to thrive.
Hosted in partnership with a robust lineup of regional economic development organizations, the morning event kicked off with MEDP Executive Director, Patty Herzog and Chamber Board President, Mark Siegel. The event continued with an expert panel focused on traditional Access to Capital. Attendees gained valuable insight into what lenders and financial institutions look for when assessing creditworthiness—starting with an opener by Elizabeth Pratt of Chemeketa SBDC, titled “Setting Your Business Up for Capital Success” Her presentation offered real-world experiences, featuring business case studies from Linda Jodoin, Miss Hannah’s Popcorn and Hans Keisler, Motor Control Technologies, highlighting the challenges and successes of local businesses navigating the funding landscape.
Following that presentation, the Access to Capital Panel—moderated by Gioia Goodrum of Yamhill County Economic Development—brought together an impressive slate of financing experts:
- Rob Kaster, Business Oregon Finance
- Teresa Smith, Citizens Bank
- Tyler Birman, First Federal
- Jim Vu, Chemeketa Small Business Development Center Capital Access (SBDC)
- Jeff Hilderbrand, Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments Business Financing
These panelists offered a comprehensive look at traditional lending avenues, discussed current trends in business financing, and shared guidance on how to approach funding partners strategically.
But the support didn’t stop there. From 9:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., attendees had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a wide range of Resource Fair participants for individualized consultation and connection. This is where ideas turned into action—where questions could be answered directly and pathways to funding could be clarified.
Resource Fair participants included:
With support from MEDP – McMinnville Economic Development Partnership, McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce, Chemeketa Small Business Development Center, and Yamhill County Economic Development, this event represented a collaborative effort to ensure that local businesses have access to the capital and resources they need to not just survive—but thrive.
If you missed this opportunity, be sure to check out the slide deck at the link (including panelist contact information for you to connect further) and take a critical step toward unlocking the financial tools that can help your business reach new heights.
Coming Soon! McMinnville Community Media - video recording.
