The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosting a free live webinar on April 2, 2025, from 10 AM to 12 PM, designed to equip small business owners and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources to unlock the capital they need to thrive.

The program, titled “Unlocking Capital: An Owner’s Guide to Funding a Small Business,” will delve into various funding options, providing an in-depth look at SBA-guaranteed loans, traditional bank loans, non-traditional funding sources, equity financing, and specialized lending programs. Participants will learn the advantages and disadvantages of each option, enabling them to make informed decisions for their businesses. “This course is essential for any small business owner looking to secure funding,” says Vivian Collins of the UGA SBDC in Rome. “We’ll help them understand what lenders are looking for and ensure their business is ‘lender-ready.'”

The no-cost program will also guide attendees on how to think like a lender, strengthening their applications and increasing their chances of success. This program is made possible through a partnership with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs State Small Business Credit Initiative and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Local participating partners include the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) will be featured as an SSBCI lender.

Interested individuals can register for the free webinar at UGASBDC.TRAINING/ROM/0691-001. For reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, please contact Vivian Collins at rome@georgiasbdc.org or call (706) 622-2006 at least two weeks in advance. All programs of the UGA SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.