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  • Mid-Level Donors: Key Strategies in Stewarding, Engaging, Soliciting and Upgrading (AFP)

    Online

    Association of Fundraising Professionals, San Luis Obispo Chapter Join Shannon Brennan, Catapult’s Vice President of Client Development, for an in-depth discussion on fundraising best practices for your mid-level donors. Shannon will discuss strategies and fundraising methodologies on how to best engage these prospects and move them up the giving pyramid. Shannon will review case studies that clearly depict how isolating mid-level donors and reinforcing their importance as a pipeline for future major gifts results in an increase in all relevant key performance indicators (pledge rate, average gift and fulfillment rate). Speaker Shannon Brennan With more than 20 years of management and executive leadership experience, Shannon Brennan serves Catapult as Vice President of Client Development. Shannon has a demonstrated history working in the non-profit fundraising industry in a variety of roles including operations, sales, and finance, with an emphasis on team leadership, strategic planning, operational management and process improvements. Shannon’s keen ability to identify challenges and quickly develop solutions has been instrumental in her success at managing client programs and business operations. Shannon earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas State University. REGISTER

    $15

  • Coffee & Conversation with Chris Labasky

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    The Art of the Pivot - Finding Opportunities in a Sea of Despair Chris will share the story of Abound’s transition from a consumer facing financial app into a business facing API, along with some of the hard learned lessons.  Chris Labasky is the CFO and Co-Founder of Abound. He is an avid technologist and serial entrepreneur, having previously been a Co-Founder at Favor (acquired HEB). As a software engineer and CFA charterholder, he is particularly fascinated by the intersection of finance and technology. REGISTER

    Free

  • SBA Loan Programs and How To Apply

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps small businesses get funding by setting guidelines for loans and reducing lender risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need. Learn how SBA loan programs can help you Start, Grow, and Expand your business. 7(a) Loans - A group of SBA loans which guarantee portions of the total amount, cap interest rates, and limit fees. 504 Loans - Long-term, fixed-rate financing to purchase or repair real estate, equipment, machinery, or other assets. Microloans -The smallest loan program, providing $50,000 or less to help businesses start up and expand. REGISTER

    Free

  • SBA Loan Programs and How to Apply

    CIE Hot House 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Register Speaker: Kay Mardon, Lender Relations Specialist (SBA) The U.S. Small Business Administration helps small businesses get funding by setting guidelines for loans and reducing lender risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need. Learn how SBA loan programs can help you Start, Grow, and Expand your business. 7(a) Loans - A group of SBA loans which guarantee portions of the total amount, cap interest rates, and limit fees. 504 Loans - Long-term, fixed-rate financing to purchase or repair real estate, equipment, machinery, or other assets. Microloans -The smallest loan program, providing $50,000 or less to help businesses start up and expand. Instructions: There are two ticket options: 1. Attend in person - there are 20 in person seats available for this webinar. Please choose the "Attend in person" ticket. Current COVID-19 indoor gathering guidlines will be followed. In person event will take place at the Cal Poly CIE Hothouse (872 Higuera St., SLO, CA 93401). 2. Attend via Zoom - there are 100 zoom webinar seats available for this webinar. Please choose the "Attend via Zoom" ticket  and you will recieve Zoom login information one day before the event.

    Free

  • AngelCon 2024 Investor Info Session

    872 Higuera St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Register   Cal Poly CIE Small Business Development Center is excited to announce the launch of Fund 7 for “AngelCon 2024.” If you are interested in learning about angel investing*, please join us in person  for an info session about the program. AngelCon is an annual event in which six startups compete for $100,000+ in investment funding to help grow their business, as a result of the dedicated team of investors behind the live event. Our program teaches how to spot groundbreaking new business ventures and innovative technology, how to work through the investor due diligence process, and how to select the top six startups for AngelCon 2024. 8:30-9am    Breakfast + Networking (in-person only) 9-9:10am    Fund 7 Overview  - Programming + Schedule 9:10-9:30   2023 Winner Update 9:30-11am  Angel Investing Overview w/ Elizabeth Jennings, Venture Labs   View last year’s event here *AngelCon Fund 7 is only open to accredited investors

    Free

  • AnglelCon 2024

    Rod & Hammer Rock 855 Aerovista Pl, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Six innovative and disruptive startups compete for $100,000+ in investment funding to help grow their business. Cal Poly’s CIE SBDC will host six brilliant tech-driven startups from Central California in a pitch competition to win $100,000+ in equity-backed funding at the seventh annual AngelCon on Thursday, May 2nd at 5 p.m. The hybrid event will take place in person at Rod & Hammer Rock and stream on YouTube Live. Agenda: 5-6PM Dinner & Networking w/ Startups (in-person only) 6-7:15PM Startups Pitch 7:15-7:25PM AngelCon 2023 Winner Updates 7:30PM Winner Announcements - Audience + Investment Choice Tickets $20 - Virtual $75 - In person

    $10 – $75

  • SBA Loan Programs and How to Apply

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Register   Speaker: Kay Mardon, Lender Relations Specialist (SBA)   The U.S. Small Business Administration helps small businesses get funding by setting guidelines for loans and reducing lender risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need. Learn how SBA loan programs can help you Start, Grow, and Expand your business. 7(a) Loans - A group of SBA loans which guarantee portions of the total amount, cap interest rates, and limit fees. 504 Loans - Long-term, fixed-rate financing to purchase or repair real estate, equipment, machinery, or other assets. Microloans -The smallest loan program, providing $50,000 or less to help businesses start up and expand.

  • Capital Access & Alternative Funding Pathways for Your Business

    Online

    Securing funding is one of the most critical—and often most challenging—aspects of growing a small business. The Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Small Business Development Center and the Mission Community Services Corporation (MCSC) Women’s Business Center are partnering to host this virtual workshop designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs navigate the various pathways to capital. Join us for an informative session featuring four expert speakers from the worlds of banking, the Small Business Administration (SBA), community development financial institutions (CDFIs), and angel/venture investing. Each speaker will present for 15–20 minutes on their area of expertise, followed by a group Q&A session. You'll gain insights into: The different funding sources available to small businesses Which options may be the right fit for your business What requirements and preparations are needed for each pathway How to position yourself for success when approaching potential funders Featured Panelists Include: CDFI Representative – Cecy Toro Brooks Wise – Executive Vice President, Pacific Premier Bank George Flores – Deputy District Director, SBA Fresno Office David Benham – Angel investor focused on ClimateTech and limited partner in two venture funds; Element 8 Angels screener; NREL Industry Growth Forum pitch selection committee Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, […]

    Free

  • AngelCon 2026 Investor Info Session

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Have you ever wanted to be an investor, but weren’t sure where to start? Whether you're brand new to angel investing or already have experience and want to expand your impact, this info session is for you. Join us in-person or virtually to learn how you can become part of AngelCon 2026, an exciting annual event that brings together tech-driven Central California startups and local investors for a live startup competition—where one company walks away with at least $100,000 in funding. Through a hands-on investor training program offered by the Cal Poly CIE SBDC, new investors receive expert guidance on how to evaluate early-stage companies, conduct due diligence, and select high-potential startups for investment. You'll gain real-world experience alongside a group of engaged investors while contributing to the growth of our regional innovation ecosystem. Why attend? Learn how to get started with angel investing—even if you’ve never invested before Hear how the AngelCon investor group works together to pool funds, evaluate startups, and make investment decisions Meet like-minded professionals passionate about supporting entrepreneurship and local economic growth Discover how you can participate in AngelCon 2026 and help select the startup that will receive $100,000 in funding Whether you're curious, cautious, or ready […]

    Free

  • Unlocking Growth for Your Business: Finding and Competing for Grants & Federal Funding

    CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

    Are you exploring ways to grow your business without giving up equity? Join us for this in-depth workshop on non-dilutive funding led by funding expert, Carolyn Kreuzcamp, MBA, and learn how to identify, pursue, and secure grant opportunities that align with your business goals. Is non-dilutive funding right for your business? Gain a clear understanding of grants and federal funding, how they work, and when they’re the right fit. How to find the right opportunities for your business. Discover strategies for identifying relevant opportunities across public (municipal, state, and federal) and private (foundation) sources. About the speaker Carolyn Kreuzkamp, MBA is a seasoned funding strategist with extensive experience preparing grant proposals and responding to solicitations at the Municipal, State, and Federal levels. Carolyn specializes in building commercialization strategies for regulated industries, with a strong focus in healthcare and medtech. Her expertise spans tech transfer, finance, innovation, government contracting, and storytelling. She also serves as a member of the NIH Center for Scientific Review and as a mentor for the Department of Commerce Select Global Women in Tech program. Based in San Francisco, Carolyn is proud to be part of the SBDC at Cal Poly and visits San Luis Obispo quarterly to advise teams in person. IMPORTANT NOTE: Carolyn […]

    Free