8:30AM

Registration

9:00AM

Welcome & opening remarks

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

9:15AM

Setting the stage: Credit gaps and other challenges in small business and microenterprise development

It is generally recognized that there is a lack of capital for small business start ups and development, as well as for the special needs of micro-enterprise in the 4th District. How much of a gap exists? Is access to capital the only barrier to micro-enterprise development? What are some of the capacity issues facing the field? This discussion will focus on recent research and experience and will provide a context for the day's agenda.

Moderator:

Norma Polanco Boyd, OCC

Panel:

Shilpa Kedar, Program Director, Economic Development, Cleveland Foundation

Bill Bumbalo, SCORE

Alex Nosse, Proprietor, Joy Machines Bike Shop

10:30AM

Q & A

10:45AM

Break

11:00AM

Microenterprise and small business financing: Public and private sector funding

Partnerships between community development agencies, banks, micro-lenders, and small business development centers are a critical part of support for microenterprises and other small business. This discussion will explore various programs and models that provide partnership opportunities and potential for building capacity.

Moderator:

Mary Helen Petrus, Outreach Manager and Senior Policy Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Panelists:

Greg Zuca, Cuyahoga County Department of Economic Development

Kevin Schmotzer, Cleveland Department of Economic Development

Carrie Rosenfelt, Huntington Bank

John Dearborn, Jump Start

12:15PM

Q & A

12:30PM

Lunch: Innovative approaches to micro-finance, lending, and start-ups

Panelists:

Inna Kinney, ECDI

Candace Klein, Bad Girl Ventures

Risa Sherman, Sam Adams/ACCION microloan program

1:30PM

Break

1:45PM

What's next for micro-enterprise development, and what about CRA?

Investing in microenterprise and small business can be a way for banks to fulfill their CRA obligations, and also achieve triple bottom line results, including job and wealth creation. This discussion will focus on exciting trends in micro-finance, how LMI communities may benefit, and implications for asset building strategies.

Moderator:

Angelisa Harris, FDIC

Panelists:

Joel Ratner, Neighborhood Progress Inc.

Ted Howard, Cleveland Foundation

Carrie Carpenter, Charter One Bank

3:00PM

Q & A

3:15PM

Closing remarks