For many women entrepreneurs, the door to capital can feel firmly locked. They’re often told to knock louder or pitch better—but what if they simply haven’t been given the right keys?
The journey to funding isn’t a test of ambition; it’s a process of strategic preparation. It’s about gaining the financial literacy that transforms uncertainty into clarity and forging connections with financial experts, capital providers, and business advisors who can champion an entrepreneur’s vision. When preparation meets opportunity, growth follows.
The final WBENC LIFT in the Community activation of 2025, in collaboration with WBEC South and supported by Fifth Third Bank, brought this philosophy to life. Hosted at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center on November 6th, the event brought together entrepreneurs, capital providers, and corporate leaders to demonstrate that when business owners are equipped with strategic knowledge and meaningful connections, accessing capital becomes a tangible outcome, not an insurmountable barrier.
Preparation and a Strategic Vision
The afternoon centered on a foundational principle: preparation and strategic vision precede funding. Opening remarks from Laura Taylor, Senior Vice President, Strategic Financial Services & WBE Engagement of WBENC, and Aleta Young, Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies Director of Fifth Third Bank, emphasized that lenders and investors look beyond the balance sheet to assess a business’s operational readiness and leadership.
This message was echoed in a candid fireside chat between Lindsey All, President & CEO of WBEC South, and Cindy Brewer, Co-Founder of LEO Events. Their authentic reflections on navigating market shifts and building resilient organizations reinforced a key insight: investment follows leadership, and a well-planned strategy is the first step toward sustainable growth.
From Insight to Action: Funding for Strategic Growth
The “Funding Your Future” panel, moderated by Andrew Gaeckle, Vice President of WBENC LIFT, transitioned the conversation from inspiration to execution. The discussion featured entrepreneurs Laurel Orley of Daily Crunch Snacks, Rita Dancey of Maryland Electric, and Teri Doochin of Interstate Packaging, who brought unique industry and business-stage perspectives to the table. They offered a powerful look into what it takes to sustain and grow a business, sharing real-world strategies on everything from mindset shifts and managing working capital to aligning funding solutions with a long-term vision.
Complementing these stories, capital experts Samantha Sutton, Associate Relationship Manager of Fifth Third Bank, and Shea Wood, Regional Director for Middle Tennessee of Pathway Lending, delivered actionable guidance on the funding landscape. Their insights helped demystify what lenders look for and empowered entrepreneurs to approach financial conversations with clarity.
“Nothing is better than hearing from female founders who are further along… The willingness of these entrepreneurs to peel back the curtain and share an honest take on what it takes to succeed has a huge impact.” — Jordan Catapano, Co-Founder, This Girl Walks Into a Bar
Community as a Catalyst for Growth
The evening concluded with a vibrant networking hour, underscoring one of the most powerful elements of the WBENC ecosystem: community. These moments, where a conversation sparks a partnership or a shared challenge leads to a breakthrough, are central to the WBENC mission.
By facilitating intentional connections, WBENC LIFT in the Community helps entrepreneurs build the support networks that fuel and sustain growth long after the event concludes.
“Sharing ideas with other business owners is empowering. At WBENC events I always feel like the people in the room want my success as much as I want their success.”
— Laurale Curtsinger, CEO, Trade Show Tools
A Year of Impact and the Road Ahead
As WBENC looks ahead to 2026, the momentum continues. With four new activations planned, WBENC LIFT in the Community will expand its reach and deepen its impact, delivering enhanced resources, tailored education, and strategic connections to even more entrepreneurs across the country.
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WBENC LIFT in the Community is part of the WBENC LIFT Financial Center of Excellence.
