- This event has passed.
Business Startup Speaker Series: Sales 101
August 22, 2023 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
Join us in Iowa City on Wednesday, August 16th, or in Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, August 22nd for our eighth session on Funding 101 for Starting a Business.
Session Learning Objectives:
Founders and Startups often need an infusion of capital (money) to launch and establish a financially sustainable business. So what are the funding options for a startup and/or existing business? August’s Startup Speaker Series will be a panel discussion about ways a business can fund its startup, growth, and success. The panelists will include representatives who can talk about Bank Loans; No-interest micro-loans (KIVA), Grant Funding (SBDC), and Venture Capital.
Featured Speaker:
Kaitlin Byers, Capital Access Manager at Kiva Iowa
As an experienced nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and grant writer, Kaitlin has worked across multiple disciplines in the nonprofit and startup space. Kaitlin launched the first statewide Kiva Hub in the nation (Kiva Iowa) in 2021 and continues to oversee the entire borrower, lender, and stakeholder pipeline in both the Iowa & Quad Cities market(s). Prior to Kiva, Kaitlin spearheaded the development efforts at a startup nonprofit – NewBoCo – helping design, fund, and execute over 15+ separate entrepreneurial & technical education programs; growing a budget of $0 to over $2 million in under 5 years.
Prior to NewBoCo, Kaitlin used her degree in Education to teach at private institutions in Guilin, China & Guatemala City, Guatemala. After moving out of the education space, she became the Founder & CEO of MarryMyCity (an online gift registry offering localized experiences). MarryMyCity shuttered in 2020, but Kaitlin continues to engage with the startup community as a mentor and judge of statewide pitch competitions. Kaitlin spends her free time traveling or being active outdoors with her two young kids and husband. When Kaitlin needs a creative outlet, you will find her singing with her band or performing in local theatre productions.
Kevin Bradley, Director of Investor Relations at ISA Ventures
Kevin Bradley is the Director of Investor Relations at ISA Ventures, where he works with the investors of the fund, as well as performing due diligence on new and current investments. Previously, he was Assistant Vice President at Blackhawk Bank & Trust working with small businesses as a commercial lender. He also helped facilitate pitch meetings for an angel investment group, Riverbend Angels. Kevin graduated from Luther College in 2012.
Michael Wampler, Regional Director, Kirkwood Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Michael Wampler is an entrepreneurship educator and business coach and has been an Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Regional Director since 2017. He currently leads the Kirkwood Community College SBDC and previously oversaw the Northwest Iowa SBDC at Iowa Lakes Community College. Before joining the SBDC, Michael taught entrepreneurship courses at Indian Hills Community College and Oklahoma State University. Michael has a BS in Business Management from Iowa State University, and an MS in Entrepreneurship from Oklahoma State University. Michael is passionate about helping small businesses successfully launch, grow, and exit.
Teresa Jensen, Business Banking at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust
Teresa serves as Business Banking over at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. Teresa has nearly 30 years of banking experience. As a small business owner herself, Teresa’s grasp of small business needs, along with her passion to provide education, resources, and connections, make her a valued and trusted banker to her clients and the bank. Teresa is active in the community. She serves on the executive planning committee for the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball. Teresa also serves on the board of 100+ Who Care.
The Business Startup Speaker Series — presented by the Iowa City Area Development Group/Iowa City Area Business Partnership and NewBoCo — leads current and aspiring entrepreneurs + small business owners through a Step-By-Step guide of all the things you need to know when starting and growing your business. From Administrative Basics to Branding, we’ll cover it all.
