BMO Austin Aspire Presents: Small Business Access to Capital

The second week of our Summer Small Business Education Series, BMO Austin Aspire is hosting a session focused on Small Business Access to Capital. This session will guide you through practical strategies to strengthen cash flow, improve financial stability, and position your business for long-term success. Whether you’re looking to expand operations, invest in new opportunities, or simply build a stronger financial foundation, this event is designed with your goals in mind.

Topics will include:

• Understanding small business funding options—from traditional loans to grants like SomerCor’s Down Payment Assistance Program (DPAP), which offers up to $25,000 to first-time commercial building buyers in Cook County
• Strategies to improve cash flow and manage working capital effectively
• Building and maintaining healthy business credit
• Identifying the right financing solutions for different stages of your business
• Resources and tools available to support minority- and women-owned businesses

Guest Speakers:

Manuel Flores, President & CEO, SomerCor

Christopher Parker, Senior Regional Strategist, BMO Bank