Chris Holman welcomes back Sean Cervantes – Business Development & Growth Officer at LAFCU, Lansing, MI.
Watch Sean and Chris discuss an event where lending essentials, SBA readiness, and how entrepreneurs can access capital to grow in the YouTube video shared below:
Chris had several questions for Sean in their conversation:
- What prompted LAFCU and Grassroots Giving Lansing to focus this mixer specifically on lending essentials for entrepreneurs?
- For early-stage business owners, what are the most common challenges you see when they first try to access capital?
- How can understanding SBA lending and credit readiness help entrepreneurs position their businesses for long-term growth?
- What should attendees expect to walk away with from this session that they can apply right away in their business?
- Why are events like this important for building a stronger, more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Lansing area?
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LAFCU and Grassroots Giving Lansing to host entrepreneurship mixer focused on lending essentials
LANSING, Mich. — LAFCU and Grassroots Giving Lansing will host the second session of their Entrepreneurship Mixer Series, The Lending Essentials, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at LAFCU headquarters, 106 N. Marketplace Blvd. in Lansing. The event is free and open to aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs.
The Entrepreneurship Mixer Series is a quarterly networking and education initiative designed to support local entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey by providing practical education, access to local experts and meaningful networking opportunities. The first event, held last November, drew more than 35 attendees, highlighting strong interest from the Lansing-area entrepreneurial community.
This session will focus on lending essentials, offering practical insights into accessing capital, building credit readiness and navigating common barriers entrepreneurs face when working with financial institutions. Discussions will include a deeper dive into Small Business Administration (SBA) lending and how financial foundations can support sustainable business growth.
“Our goal is to create a space where entrepreneurs can ask questions, learn from experienced professionals and gain clarity around lending options available to them,” said Sean Cervantes, business development and growth officer at LAFCU. “By partnering with Grassroots Giving Lansing, we’re able to provide educational information and foster connections that help entrepreneurs feel more confident as they move forward.”
Attendees will enjoy lunch, authentic conversation and networking with local business leaders. Participants will also have a chance to win a laptop and a free year of QuickBooks to support their business success.
Registration is required. To RSVP or learn more, visit https://www.lafcu.com/grassrootsgiving. Official rules for giveaway will be available at the event. No purchase is necessary.
About Grassroots Giving Lansing
Founded in 2023 by Ali Bennett, Grassroots Giving Lansing is dedicated to supporting Black business professionals and fostering meaningful connections between Black-owned businesses and the surrounding community. The organization is committed to nurturing inclusivity within the Greater Lansing area by empowering entrepreneurs through strategic partnerships, community engagement and resource-driven networking. Grassroots Giving Lansing works to create an inclusive ecosystem that promotes economic growth, celebrates diversity and champions the resilience of Black business professionals across the region.
About LAFCU
Founded in 1936, LAFCU (pronounced laugh-cue) is a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union open to all who live, work, worship or attend school in Michigan, and to Michigan businesses. LAFCU serves more than 74,000 members and holds over $1 billion in assets. With a particular focus on serving people of modest means, LAFCU is committed to enhancing its members’ financial well-being and creating long-lasting positive change across generations. Awarded the prestigious Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award, LAFCU is known for its people-helping-people mission, which has led to award-winning financial literacy programs for all ages. A three-time honoree as a national ‘Best Credit Union to Work For,’ named a Best Place to Work for Women, and recognized globally for its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, LAFCU stands out for its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. Learn more at www.lafcu.com.
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