2023 Financial Summit 
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC) will host the first annual Financial Summit. The event will equip small business entrepreneurs with the tools to identify best practices for business growth and financial prosperity.
Please join us for sessions on the state of the current economy, wealth disparities, and more from leading speakers and industry specialists. The Financial Summit will include:
- Presentations from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston on the local and national economy, procurement challenges faced by small businesses, and wealth inequalities
- Panel discussions on the best ways to acquire financing for your business and the future outlook for small businesses
- Networking luncheon with peers and more!
Reservations are required and seating is limited for onsite participants. Parking is not provided by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
Agenda
Registration, Breakfast & Networking
Welcome/Speaker Intro
FRBB – ODEI welcome
FRBB – President Collins welcome
GNEMSDC – Welcome
FRBB: Regional and Community Outreach – Wealth Inequality
Mike Evangelist
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Q & A
FRBB: Regional and Community Outreach
Procurement & related work
Q & A
Networking Break
FRBB: Research – Economic Outlook
Bo Zhao
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Q & A
Panel: Getting to a yes: How Lenders make decisions
Moderator:
Daliza Nova
Project Director
MA MBDA
Abstract: Have you ever wondered how lenders decide who to give money to and how much interest to charge? Our panel of experts will discuss how lenders make these decisions and what factors they consider when evaluating a borrower's ability to pay back a loan. You'll learn about the tools and techniques they use to assess creditworthiness and the types of collateral they may require. The discussion will also cover personal guarantees and what they mean for borrowers. Join us at the Federal Reserve for an engaging conversation and practical advice on financing options.
Speakers:
Patrick Lorent
M&T Bank
Sahra Halpern
Business Consortium Fund
Networking Lunch
Fireside Chat: Inorganic Growth: Mergers & Acquisitions
Moderator:
Harold Blackwell
Project Leader
MA MBDA COVID-19 Project
Abstract: In addition to discussing the strategies and challenges of inorganic growth through mergers and acquisitions, the panel will also feature two business owners who will share their personal perspectives and experiences with M&A. Through their insights and real-life examples, the panel aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the opportunities and pitfalls of this growth strategy, as well as practical advice on how to approach M&A deals in a way that maximizes value for all stakeholders involved.
Speaker:
Sean Cogdell
The Panther Group
Fireside Chat: Alternative Forms of Capital: Investors
Moderator:
Gary Stiffler
Director
MBE Growth & Development
GNEMSDC
Abstract: A discussion on key indicators that private equity firms review to determine investments.
Speaker:
Judy Frodigh
Altura Capital