Laredo Small Business Entrepreneurs Searching for Capital Invited to ‘Access to Capital’ Event at TAMIU

Current and future entrepreneurs searching for business capital are invited to “Access to Capital,” a special presentation and panel discussion at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) Tuesday, July 31 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, room 101.

The Access to Capital event, offered free in partnership between the TAMIU Small Business Development Center (TAMIU SBDC) and the Office of U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, will share how entrepreneurs can access capital to start, build or grow their small business.

Michael González, TAMIU SBDC director, said participants will learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, lines of credit, microloans, current trends in commercial lending and receive loan application preparation advice.

The panel of experts at the event includes representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration, San Antonio District Office; BBVA Compass Bank, Falcon International Bank, International Bank of Commerce and PeopleFund, González said.

“The event came to be because Congressman Cuéllar saw that information sessions and resources regarding access to capital were going to other cities and he wanted to bring them to Laredo,” he said, “So, he partnered with the recognized leader in financial literacy for small business in the greater Laredo area, the TAMIU SBDC, and the event was created. The purpose of the event is to provide information and technical expertise for those who are looking for financing… whether that is for start-up or for scale-up of a small business.”

Event participants will have the opportunity to learn about available products, services and programs that may be able to help them navigate the process of accessing capital for their small business project, González explained. He added that participants will also be able to network with others at the presentation.

 Most of Laredo’s businesses fall under the description of a small business, González said.

“It is important to note that when we mention small business, that is defined as businesses with 500 employees or less, which encompass most of Laredo’s businesses,” he said, “Bottom line, small business is not small – in fact, this event can help just about anyone who has questions on how to access capital.”

Participants can register online at sbdc.tamiu.edu

For more information, please contact González at 326.2840, email michael.gonzalez@tamiu.edu or visit the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 321C.

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.