Brief Welcome and Introduction

Code to Capital is a no-holds-barred conversation about what it really takes to become bankable. This panel will break down capital readiness, what lenders and underwriters look for, the common reasons businesses get denied, and the steps owners at every stage can take to strengthen their financial profile. Panelists will also explore alternative avenues to capital, including CDFIs, revenue-based financing, grants, procurement-based funding, and other strategic pathways, so entrepreneurs leave with clear, actionable next steps.

This featured fireside conversation will explore “Tech as Wealth,” examining how technology drives wealth creation through innovation, ownership, and enterprise value. The discussion will highlight how asset-driven enterprises scale, how intellectual property strengthens competitive advantage, and how venture investment fuels long-term growth. More than a conversation about tools, this session focuses on the bigger picture—how technology serves as a catalyst for sustainable business value and generational wealth. Attendees will gain insight into the intersection of innovation, investment, and enterprise growth in today’s evolving economy.

The Lender Lounge is a curated, high-value networking space where business owners connect directly with lenders, banks, CDFIs, and financial institutions.

This space allows lenders to:

• Meet capital-ready entrepreneurs
• Explain lending products and programs
• Build long-term banking relationships
• Identify qualified pipeline opportunities

The AI Implementation Lab is a hands-on intensive designed to help entrepreneurs move beyond learning about AI and begin integrating it directly into their businesses.

Led by three AI experts, this guided lab walks participants through the process of identifying opportunities for AI within their operations and building a clear implementation strategy. Attendees will work through practical exercises and leave with a step-by-step plan for applying AI tools to their business.

Session 1: AI Foundations for Business

This session introduces entrepreneurs to the fundamentals of AI and the most useful tools available today. Participants will explore practical applications for marketing, customer service, operations, data analysis, and workflow automation while seeing real examples of how small businesses are using AI to save time and increase revenue.

Session 2: Identifying AI Opportunities in Your Business

In this interactive session, participants will analyze their current business workflows to identify areas where AI can streamline processes, reduce manual work, and improve efficiency. Entrepreneurs will pinpoint key problem areas and opportunities where AI can make the biggest impact.

Session 3: Building Your AI Implementation Plan

The final session focuses on action. Participants will develop a customized AI implementation roadmap outlining the tools they will use, the processes they will improve, and a clear step-by-step strategy for integrating AI into their business operations.

Six (6) concurrent financial literacy and business growth workshops led by sponsoring financial institutions. These workshops provide sponsors with direct engagement and thought-leadership opportunities with business owners who are actively seeking financial guidance and solutions.

Workshop Topics May Include:

• Access to capital & lending readiness
• Credit building & financial management
• Treasury services & cash flow optimization
• Scaling businesses through financial strategy
• Preparing for growth financing