OFN’s Small Business Finance Forum Now Open for Registration!

OFN’s 11^th annual event for mission-driven small business lenders returns to Chicago this June. Register before it’s too late!

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Don’t miss OFN’s eagerly anticipated Small Business Finance Forum! After selling out last year, the annual forum returns to Chicago this June 2024 in a new, larger location.  

More than 500 mission-driven small business lenders, partners, and advocates will convene at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile for two days of learning and inspiration.  

The forum will feature three inspiring plenaries, a Small Business Partner Showcase, more than 25 interactive breakout sessions spread across six distinct tracks, pre-event training opportunities on June 12, and an action-packed tour that highlights CDFIs’ collaborative work and celebrates local small businesses.

Haven’t yet attended an OFN Small Business Finance Forum? Check out the recap from our 2023 event here. 

Session Tracks

• Climate Action 
• Data-Driven Impact 
• Operations & Strategy 
• Public Policy 
• Restorative Capital 
• Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success 

Confirmed Breakout Sessions

• Understanding the Legal Climate for Small Business Lenders 
• Business Readiness for Rural & Under-Resourced Entrepreneurs: Using Wraparound Models 
• Purpose to Practice: Advancing Racial Equity in Lending 
• Elevate Your Brand: Actionable Marketing Strategies for CDFIs 
• Show Me the Metrics! Testing an Impact Metrics Framework for the Small Business Finance Sector 
• Climate Action Workshop: How CDFIs Can Build Climate Resilience in Communities with Low-Incomes 
• and MUCH MORE!

See the registration site for the full list of sessions and stay tuned for plenary announcements! 

Training 

The forum will feature the following training opportunities on June 12:   

• CDFI 101: Orientation to the Industry  
• Executive Training for CDFI Board Members  
• Financial Management
• Operationalizing Racial Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility into Lending Practices 
• Small Business Lending 101  

These workshop-style courses will provide more comprehensive, interactive learning than our standard breakout sessions. Learn more about each training on the forum registration site. 

Please note training availability is limited and there is a separate registration fee. 

CDFIs in Action Tour

Back by popular demand, famed Chicago historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas will provide insights into the influential history and culture of the vibrant South Side neighborhood of Pullman. This tour on Friday, June 14, after the closing plenary will combine transportation via bus and light walking and will highlight CDFIs’ collaborative work and celebrate local small businesses. Refreshments will be served. 

The pickup and drop-off location will be at the SBFF venue, Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. Participants should allow at least 1.5 hours of travel time to O’Hare or Midway airports after the tour. 

We expect the forum to sell out quickly. Register for SBFF and then book your hotel room through our discounted room block before it’s too late!

Please note you must register for the event and your hotel room separately. Registering for the event does not guarantee you a hotel room, and booking a hotel room does not guarantee you a ticket to the event.

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

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Tags: CDFI Leadership, Small Business, Small Business Finance Forum