Shaking the Money Tree

Shaking the Money Tree will provide clear, obtainable, practical solutions for small business owners, while also helping them to build vital relationships with service providers.

• The Shop Workspace
• Thursday, September 22, 2022
• Workshop: 12:00 PM
• Awards Social: 5:00 PM

Problem

A perpetual hurdle small business owners face is easy access to reliable resources. While there are a myriad of organizations, agencies, and other service providers eager to reach small businesses, owners can find themselves lost in a maze of advice. Anecdotes from other business owners, previous negative experiences, or the fear of being taken advantage of can prevent small business owners from finding the tools they need, despite the fact that there are a myriad of organizations, agencies, and service providers eager to serve the small business community. 

Solution

The Black Success Center works on the frontline with independent businesses, and are acutely aware of the tools they need, and the disparities that exist in how these tools are delivered to Utah’s small businesses. Using our expertise and networks, we have created “Shaking the Money Tree.” 

Shaking the Money Tree will provide clear, obtainable, practical solutions for small business owners, while also helping them to build vital relationships with service providers. The event includes classes, Q&A sessions, and individual mentor meetings with local experts. Traditional business networking and resources events can be overwhelming. Shaking the Money Tree will reduce traditional barriers to connection by using a matchmaking process. Upon registration, business owners will answer a brief survey tailored to determine their precise needs. Guests will then be provided with an appointment for a one-on-one session with the service provider who is best equipped to meet their needs. As well, guests can attend short classes and presentations from local experts. The goal is for business owners to have everything they need at their fingertips, and to avoid the intimidating, sales pitch-style of traditional business networking events, and instead build a wealth of relationships with service providers and other small business owners. 

Finding appropriate funding sources is one of the most essential elements for a small business’s success. Whether a business owner is seeking a traditional loan, is hoping for a grant or is in need of support from non-traditional funding sources, the search for financing can be stressful and unnecessarily complicated. At this event, business owners will be paired with representatives from a wide variety of funding providers. Additionally, we’ll provide classes that help demystify the loan application process, assist business owners in creating a business plan, and introduce guests to community-based financial institutions.