With insights from banks, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), the public sector, and a technical advisor with years of experience helping founders think about finances, this event will help startup founders understand the forms of capital that could help grow their business.

12:10-12:15 - Overview of funding options

12:15-12:45 - Panelist discussion of funding challenges and opportunities

12:45-12:55 - Audience questions for the panel

Matt Roth, President & CEO at Community Reinvestment Fund USA, a national CDFI with the mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through innovative financial solutions. Roth has more than 30 years of experience in community development finance and has extensive expertise in building and leading diverse teams, strategic planning, and capital raising. Roth has dedicated his career to community development and is passionate about working in and with communities with a history of underrepresentation, especially those that have been systemically excluded from the financial mainstream.

Renay Dossman, President and CEO of Neighborhood Development Center. Renay leads NDC with an emphasis on teamwork, partnerships, equity, and a laser-focus on entrepreneurs’ needs. Renay’s compassion, willingness to model vulnerability, eagerness to learn from others, and ability to see and harness each person’s strengths and motivations have built her reputation as a community leader with great integrity and authentic passion for NDC’s mission.

Neela Mollgaard, Executive Director of the Office of Small Business and Innovation for MN DEED. Neela leads statewide efforts to support startups, small businesses, and organizations that support them. She first joined state government to create and deploy Launch Minnesota, a statewide initiative to help grow the state's innovation ecosystem. The initiative has successfully deployed over $6 million dollars to startups and created a network to connect and coordinate the startup ecosystem across the state.

Kaltrina Rezniqi, Vice President, Sr. Business Consultant for Chase in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kaltrina has over 10 years of experience in financial services. Her goal is to understand your business in a way that allows Chase to bring unique insights and value to every interaction with your business. She can provide you access to the broader team of experts in areas such as cash management, credit solutions, and other business services

Moderator: Y. Elaine Rasmussen, Founder and CEO of ConnectUP! Institute. Rasmussen is a powerhouse in the world of social finance, entrepreneurship, and impact investing. An unyielding advocate for economic justice, she is a beacon of inspiration for those who want to align their money with their values. Her profound understanding of the intersection between business, finance and social responsibility informs her innovative solutions for restorative economics. Rasmussen's personal mission is to move $50B to Communities of Color. Her dedication to align profit and purpose has earned her accolades and respect in the fields of social finance and impact investing. In a world where business can be a force for good, Elaine, reminds us that everyone can be the catalysts for change.

We appreciate the leadership and expertise of many organizations in the small business ecosystem who helped prepare this event.

Demystifying Capital - Exploring Financing Options