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Funding Pathways - Understanding Loans, Lenders, and Applications

Are you a new or growing small business looking to enter the federal marketplace? Winning contracts is only half the battle—having the right funding in place is what allows you to perform and grow.

Join us for this web meeting designed specifically for small businesses and new federal suppliers who want to understand the full range of funding options available. We’ll walk you through the key lending programs, explain basic qualifications, and show you how to prepare the financial documents lenders require—without the jargon.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The lending landscape for small businesses: government-backed, community-based, and private lenders

  • Step-by-step breakdowns of the major programs: SBA 7(a), SBA 504, SBA Microloans, Disaster Loans, USDA Business Loans

  • Alternative funding sources: CDFIs, State/Local initiatives, banks, credit unions, and fintech lenders

  • The basic qualifications lenders look for—credit, collateral, guarantees, and more

  • A practical loan application checklist you can use immediately

  • Plain-language explanations of financial documents (tax returns, P&L, balance sheets)

  • Tips for aligning funding with federal contract performance


Who Should Attend:

  • Small businesses entering the federal contracting space

  • Firms seeking SBA or USDA loan programs

  • New federal suppliers unfamiliar with financial terms and documents

Takeaways:

  • A Loan Comparison Matrix to help you choose the right program

  • A step-by-step application checklist

  • A glossary of key financial terms written in plain English

  • Confidence in knowing where to go, who to talk to, and how to prepare for funding success

    Date & Time

    Web Conference Meeting: Thursday, October 2, 2025| 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM EST

    Registration

    Virtual Event Registration- Click here to register now.

    Fees

    Registration fees are based on membership level. Members and non-members are welcome.

    Fees for this meeting are as follows:

    • Complimentary: Supplier Members

    • $15:  Business Members 

    • $35:Advocate Members, Individual, and Non-Members

    • Complimentary:  Government Agency and Large Prime Contractor Representatives (as approved by USWCC)

    If you are not currently a Supplier or Business Member, consider joining here and then returning to this page to purchase your discounted registration.

Presenter

Charmagne Manning

President
The American Small Business Chamber of Commerce 

Charmagne Manning is the President of the The American Small Business Chamber of Commerce (USWCC).  Ms. Manning has effectively leveraged her professional experience which includes extensive Local Government knowledge and personal business ownership to assist women and other small business owners grow their interests. No matter which hat she’s wearing, her goal is simple – to empower small business leaders to start and develop successful businesses while advancing related government policy.

Charmagne brings more than 20 years of experience relevant to any small business or entrepreneur. Ms. Manning’s previous contributions include vast experience in developing and operating various service-related businesses in several markets – from construction management, hospitality, and personal care service, to governmental services and non-profits. Additionally, Ms. Manning enjoyed a lengthy career while serving in multiple positions within Local Government. With her wealth of entrepreneurial experience coupled with her vast knowledge of the interworking of local government, she is able to extend a steady and knowledgeable hand to assist business owners and stakeholders toward the advancement of small businesses.

Ms. Manning attended the John Scott Daily Institute of Government at Florida State University where she became an Internationally Certified Municipal Clerk. In the course of personal business development over the years, additional education was obtained through Santa Fe College and North Florida Technical College.

Charmagne is a Florida native, born in West Palm Beach, FL who later relocated to Gainesville, FL as the youngest child of her large 11-member family and the proud mother of 2 bright children.

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WOSB/EDWOSB Overview and Certification Process 09/18/25

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October 15

National Small Business Federal Contracting Summit | Fall 2025 (DC Area)