The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) are co-hosting a conference focused on expanding capital access for small businesses in Illinois. The conference aims to share successful programs that have effectively reached out to entrepreneurs with access to resources and highlight the positive impact of supporting these entrepreneurs. Participants will also learn how to overcome the challenges associated with entering this market.
This conference will be beneficial for financial institutions as well, as they will have the opportunity to learn how they can benefit from serving well-resourced entrepreneurs through Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) consideration. Key stakeholders from the state of Illinois, local governments, and local community development financial institutions (CDFIs) will share insights about the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and other collaborative opportunities for small business lending.
Presenters at the conference will include Jo Ann Di Maggio May, the Small Business Development Center Director at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Edwardsville and East St. Louis Center; Steve Kuehl, an OCC Community Officer; and Glenn Brewer, an FDIC Community Affairs Specialist.
The conference will take place on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM Central Time at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville – East St. Louis Center, located at 601 James R Thompson Blvd. Building A in East St. Louis, Illinois.
Registration for the conference is open to financial institutions, local governments, foundations, and community-based organizations interested in improving access to finance for small businesses in Illinois. To register, interested individuals can click on the provided registration link and enter the requested information. Upon completion, a confirmation email will be sent.
For any questions about the event, participants can reach out to Glenn Brewer at gbrewer@fdic.gov. Additionally, there are additional resources available for further information.