Lunch with Lenders
About
The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO), Vermont Professionals of Color Network (VT PoC), and the Vermont Treasurer’s Office invite you to Lunch with Lenders: Exploring Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses!
This event, held on February 7, 2026 remotely over Zoom (or hybrid; please register for more details), in celebration of Black History Month, is designed to connect small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with traditional and non-traditional lenders. It's an opportunity to engage in insightful conversations about accessing capital and to get your questions answered. Lunch will be provided to those attending in-person.
Who should attend?
This event is open to all business owners and those interested in starting a business, with a special invitation to BIPOC and New American business owners.
Representatives from a variety of banks, credit unions, and lenders will be on hand to share their expertise and discuss various funding options.
Interpreters will be present to assist members of the Arabic, French, Kirundi, Mandarin, Mai Mai, Nepali, Spanish, Somali, and Swahili language communities.
Registration is now open. While advanced sign-up is requested, it is not required. We look forward to seeing you there! Click here to register.
Become a Sponsor
Want to amplify your commitment to the community and support local economic growth? Become an event sponsor!
Your sponsorship directly helps cover essential event costs, including the venue, food, vital translation and interpretation services, and general operational expenses. Each sponsorship level offers unique marketing benefits designed to highlight your organization's dedication.
Explore the many options below, and secure your spot by submitting your donation online.
The deadline to secure your sponsorship is December 31, 2025. Thank you to all that donated this year. For those still looking to get involved, we look forward to seeing you in the future!
When: February 7, 2026
Where: Hybrid/Remote
Event: 11:00AM - 2:00PM
Snow date: March 7, 2026
Who participates?
This event is open to all business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, with a special invitation to BIPOC and New American business owners. If you're looking to start a business or grow an existing one, and want to learn about various funding options, this event is for you!
Why participate?
Accessing capital is often a significant hurdle for small businesses, and this event directly addresses that challenge. You'll have the unique opportunity to connect with both traditional and non-traditional lenders from our community. It's a chance to ask your questions, gain valuable insights, and explore the funding avenues best suited for your business needs. Plus, it's a fantastic networking opportunity to connect with other local business owners and community leaders.