Last night, BBB Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California in partnership with FounderFuego and Chase Business Coaching for Impact, with San Diego Tourism Authority, and Village Up San Diego, hosted a sold-out, high-energy evening at our ignite sparked by BBB event venue.
With nearly 100 entrepreneurs, business leaders, and grant experts in the room, the event proved to be a powerful space for connection, learning, and collaboration.
Check out Event photos here: https://lnkd.in/gXd6eexk
Photo Credit: Anthony Bui
At the heart of the evening was the power of storytelling in securing grants—an invaluable tool for small businesses looking to access funding. Moderators Amber Tarrac, CEcD, ACE and Adriana "Adri" Brunner “Adri” Brunner guided insightful discussions with a dynamic panel of grant storytelling experts, each sharing their unique perspectives and expertise:
?? Kelly Twichel of Access Trax spoke about crafting narratives that highlight a business’s social impact, ensuring that funders see the transformative potential of their investment.
?? Kimberlee Richards of Caring for Mama emphasized the importance of emotional resonance in grant applications, demonstrating how to connect with funders on a deeper level.
?? Sue Silva, HMCC, CGMP of Avlis International, Inc. provided key insights on how to align storytelling with grant guidelines, ensuring businesses meet funding criteria while standing out.
?? Kamaal Martin of Art, Power, Equity shared firsthand experiences on leveraging grants for community-driven projects, showing how small businesses can create large-scale impact.
?? Brian Westpoint of Movement Matters Collective highlighted the role of AI in grant writing, offering practical tips on how to use technology to streamline the application process and enhance storytelling.
Beyond the panel, the evening was a masterclass in meaningful, intentional connections. Entrepreneurs and business owners engaged in conversations with grant writers and investors, unlocking new pathways to funding and growth. The energy in the room was electric, fueled by a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.
A huge thank you to our incredible partners, speakers, and attendees for making this night a resounding success. We can’t wait to continue elevating and supporting entrepreneurs in our community.
Thank you Nathan Gilbert for making the trip from Fresno and supporting us with this event!
Matthew Fehling Geoffrey Goldstein Dale Ganzow Felena Hanson Alex Waters Joshua Plummer Kryistyna Hook Jake Roberts Eduardo Borquez Karen Bryant Kelli Williams Theresa Cunningham, MA, PHRJulius Alejandro, M.S.Chad Miller Diana Barbiani
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