How YOU Can: Connect with Financial Stakeholders to Access Alternative Capital

In today’s evolving business landscape, especially as women strive to secure financial independence and build resilient enterprises, it’s crucial to connect with financial stakeholders who can offer both capital and guidance. I had the privilege of moderating a dynamic panel event, “Building Financial Futures: Empowering Women in Business,” hosted by the Les Dames PHL Chapter at the Guild House Hotel. The event featured powerful voices from various sectors, each sharing invaluable insights on capital access, financial management, and strategic growth.

Insights from Our Esteemed Panelists

Ashley Putnam

Director, Economic Growth and Mobility Project, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

Ashley brought a profound understanding of the barriers that persist for women and minority-owned businesses in accessing capital, connecting these barriers to systemic economic challenges. Reflecting on economic mobility, she emphasized:

“It has been exactly 50 years since the passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The disparities we see in many statistics can be linked to that.”

Ashley also touched on the entrepreneurial spirit sparked by quarantine:

“Quarantine definitely taught me to take some of these side hustles… If you do something you love, figure out how to make a dollar off it. If you’ve got a skill, don’t take it for granted.”

On financing, she highlighted a critical issue:

“Women are less confident about applying for an additional credit card than men… Women-owned firms are more likely than men-owned firms to report being debt averse.”

Kersy Azocar

President and CEO of Greenline Access Capital

Kersy shared her expertise in creating economic opportunities for underserved communities, underscoring the importance of institutions that actively support these groups. Her leadership in providing equitable access to capital serves as a model for empowering entrepreneurs and small business owners across Philadelphia.

Brennan Tomasetti

Real Estate Developer/Hotelier, Co-owner of Guild House Hotel, Civetta Property Group

Brennan’s dedication to fostering female entrepreneurship and small business development is exemplary. Her journey as a hotelier and developer is a testament to the impact of strategic investment in women-led enterprises, inspiring attendees to pursue their visions confidently.

Indah Nuritasari

CBAC Commercial, Loan & Technical Assistance Officer

Indah highlighted the often-overlooked areas of bookkeeping and taxes, which are essential for long-term business success. She cautioned:

“When people choose to become their own boss, they may not be thinking of potential tax problems… Not filing quarterly estimated tax payments, failing to report cash payments, and having bad bookkeeping practices are common issues.”

She also emphasized the importance of grants and filing requirements:

“The City currently has so many grant opportunities… and the required information filing under the Corporate Transparency Act. Penalties for failing to report can be substantial, up to $10K in fines or imprisonment.”

Beth Wilson-Parentice

Brand Builder | Author | Advisor | Consultant ”The Brand Kitchen” | Speaker | Founder of Sipp Sparkling Organics and WoW Beverage Co.

Beth shared her journey in brand-building, showing how a strong financial strategy and branding go hand-in-hand. She remarked on the power of connection and support among women:

“Empowering women to build their financial futures isn’t just about the tools we provide, but the connections we create and the strength we build together.”

Moderating a Conversation for Financial Empowerment

As the moderator, I had the opportunity to facilitate this inspiring discussion and draw on my experience as the owner of Imagine Impact and the founder of Cooks Who Care. Bringing these powerful voices together highlighted the value of community, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing to help women take actionable steps toward financial independence.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your business journey, reach out to Imagine Impact, where we support leaders and brands in achieving their goals and driving growth.

Imagine Impact