Help Shape the Agenda for OFN’s 2024 Forums!
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OFN is seeking session proposals from mission-driven community lenders and partners to inform the agendas for our 2024 virtual and in-person forums.
A leading convener for the CDFI industry and other mission-driven lenders and partners, OFN hosts a variety of in-person and virtual events each year for peer exchange, networking, and collaborating. In 2024, we will again host our CONNECT+ Forum virtually and our Small Business Finance Forum in Chicago – and we need your help shaping the agendas!
OFN is seeking session proposals from a diverse and inclusive group of organizations and presenters that offer a wide range of perspectives on topics to help mission lenders and their partners achieve the greatest impact.
Session proposals are due Friday, January 5, by 11:59 pm ET. Submit your proposal today!
Event Descriptions
CONNECT+ Forum: CDFI Capitalization
March 19 | Virtual
Over the past year, CDFIs have encountered tightening capital markets as a result of inflation, rising interest rates, and continued economic challenges. This free, half-day virtual forum will feature plenaries and breakout sessions that dive deeper into strategies, opportunities, and innovations related to CDFI capitalization. We will consider ways CDFIs can optimize the nuts and bolts of capitalization to enhance efficiency; navigate the current capital landscape of public, private, and philanthropic sources; and forge new partnerships.
Haven’t attended our CONNECT+ Forum before? Check out recordings from previous years here.
Small Business Finance Forum
June 13-14 | Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
After selling out in 2023, this annual event will return to downtown Chicago’s Magnificent Mile in 2024 – this time in a new, larger location! The 11th annual forum will bring together more than 500 mission-driven small business lenders, partners, and advocates for learning and inspiration. The event will feature over 30 breakout and networking sessions, a Small Business Partner Showcase, and a pre-forum training day on June 12.
Haven’t attended our Small Business Finance Forum before? Check out the recap from our 2023 event here.
Session Proposal Guidelines
Before preparing and submitting a session proposal, please read the complete Call for Sessions Guidelines and Practice Document for the best chance of having your proposal accepted.
This document contains detailed guidance on the elements of a strong session proposal. You can also find this guidance on the proposal submission site.
Registration will open in mid-February for the 2024 CONNECT+ Forum and early April for the 2024 Small Business Finance Forum. Stay informed about these and other OFN events by subscribing – we’ll send updates straight to your inbox.
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