Suncoast Small Business Conference: Funding Your Future & Building Resilience

Description

Running a small business comes with challenges, but securing the right financial resources and building resilience can set you up for long-term success. Join us for the Suncoast Small Business Conference: Funding Your Future & Building Resilience, where industry experts will share valuable insights on accessing capital, navigating business loan programs, and establishing strong banking relationships.

In addition to financial strategies, we'll explore how resilience and mental wellness are crucial to entrepreneurial success. Whether you're looking for funding opportunities or tools to strengthen your business mindset, this conference will provide actionable takeaways to help you grow.

Topics Include:
✅ Accessing Capital & Business Loan Programs
✅ Building Strong Banking & Financial Relationships
✅ Resilience & Mental Wellness for Business Owners

Suncoast Small Business Conference Grant Opportunity!

Applicants must complete the grant application.

Applicants must attend the Suncoast Small Business Conference.

Applicants must be present at the conference to win one of two $500.00 grants.

The application deadline is May 14.

Residents of Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, and DeSoto counties are eligible.

Businesses of all levels, from start-ups to established companies, can apply.

You can complete the application online at this link.

Recipients must agree to the use of photos and participate in follow-up interviews. Grant recipient(s)will be notified at the end of the conference. Selections will be made by a panel of judges. For any questions, don't hesitate to contact Melanie Lavender at [email protected].

Who Should Attend?
Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are looking to enhance their financial knowledge and strengthen their businesses for the future.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and take your business to the next level!

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Kim Richmond 
Executive Director
26 West Entrepreneurship Center at State College of Florida

Ms. Richmond is a passionate brand builder in every sense of the word. In September 2021, she successfully launched the 26 West Center with seven business units and continues to grow the entrepreneurship ecosystem, which includes successful entrepreneurs, coaches, and investors. This support helps entrepreneurs and small business owners, fueling innovation and economic growth in the region.

She has also held positions at FAO, Inc., Kraft Foods, and Sears. Ms. Richmond's academic credentials include serving as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA, and the State College of Florida. She also served as the program manager and full-time faculty member for the entrepreneurship program at the State College of Florida. 

Ms. Richmond holds a Master of Business Administration from Loyola Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northern Illinois University.

Joe McKenzie

Assistant Vice President, Assistant Banking Center Manager

BayFirst Bank North Sarasota

Joe McKenzie is an Assistant Vice President, Assistant Banking Center Manager for BayFirst Bank at the St. Pete-based bank's North Sarasota location. This location has the distinction of being the first banking center ever established in the heart of the historic Newtown community in its 100-year history.

In addition to running the day-to-day operations of the North Sarasota Banking Center, Joe facilitates community-based financial literacy classes and in-person financial counseling.

Born and raised in Sarasota, Joe lived in the heart of Newtown until he was ten. Joe's grandparents moved to Sarasota in the 1920s, making him the third generation of his family to call Newtown home.

 Joe attended Sarasota High and the University of South Florida (Go Bulls!), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and an MBA.

Stephen Fancher
Chief Advancement Officer
All Star Children's Foundation

Since 2019, Stephen Fancher has served as the Chief Advancement Officer at the All-Star Children's Foundation, leading fundraising, marketing, government relations, and grant programs. His diverse background includes teaching (he was Stamford, Connecticut's Teacher of the Year in 2012), finance (with Merrill Lynch), and the nonprofit sector, including Sarasota Opera and JFCS. He holds degrees in piano performance and is actively involved in the Sarasota community with various arts organizations. Fancher lives in Sarasota with his daughters, Piper and Sofie.

Tom Edwards
Executive Director 
SRQ Strong

Tom is the Executive Director of SRQ Strong (since September 2025), leading grassroots community healing and resiliency initiatives. His vision is to foster empathy within the community. He has a strong entrepreneurial background, with over 40 years as a business owner, and experience in advocacy, including 11 years in the New York State General Assembly. Beyond this, Tom has been a member of the Sarasota County School Board since August 2020, where he prioritizes student needs and educational advancement. He is also active in rowing, co-founding the Newtown Rowing Initiative, and working to expand access to the sport in Sarasota County.

Brad Mix
Specialty: Disaster Assistance, SBA Lending, Start-up
Florida SBDC at USF

Brad Mix has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and as a business consultant. Before joining the Florida SBDC at USF, Mix provided consulting services to over 2,500 businesses and helped business owners secure more than $100 million in capital and $60 million in government contracts.

He has extensive experience with SBA loans, including 504s, Community Advantage loans, and microloans. He also assists business owners in preparing business plans, financial projections, improving profitability, conducting business acquisitions, valuing businesses, marketing, and securing capital solutions.

He joined the Florida SBDC at USF in April 2020 after spending 20 years as a consultant and satellite manager for the Coachella Valley SBDC in Palm Springs, CA. In 2005, the California SBDC Network awarded him the California State Star Award. Mix is a certified Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP). He also holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Rider University.