A Fireside Chat with Bank of America & Merrill Lynch

Overview:

This is not a presentation, but an interactive conversation you can participate in.

In honor of Financial Literacy Month, Moving Forward Small Business is proud to partner with Bank of America and Merrill Lynch to empower our community with essential economic insights

Access to capital is a fundamental pillar for any business, regardless of size or stage. In this exclusive fireside chat, Jimmy Newson, CEO of Moving Forward Small Business, sits down with experts from Bank of America and Merrill Lynch for a transparent, slide-free conversation about how entrepreneurs can navigate the complex world of business credit and financing. We are moving past the sales pitches to discuss what it actually means to be "capital-ready" in today’s market.

This session is designed to provide an insider’s look at the lending process, from the traditional "6 C’s of Credit" to specialized funding tools like SBA loans and equipment financing. Whether you are a micro-business looking for your first line of credit or an established firm preparing for a major expansion, you will walk away with actionable insights and a roadmap to strengthen your banking relationships and secure the funding your business deserves.

What Was Covered

• The Fundamentals of Credit: A clear understanding of what business credit is and why it matters for long-term sustainability.
• The Lender's Perspective: How lenders evaluate your business using the "6 C's of Credit": Capacity, Capital, Collateral, Conditions, Character, and Communication.
• The Right Funding Mix: Common financing tools including business credit cards, lines of credit, and term loans — and how to choose the right one for your goals.
• Specialized & Alternative Funding: Specialized solutions like SBA loans and commercial real estate, as well as alternative options through CDFIs and regional grants.
• The 5-3-2 Rule: The specific benchmarks required to establish a strong, independent credit identity for your business.
• Strategic Financial Prep: How to identify and fix inefficiencies in your cash flow to become a more attractive candidate for financing.

Jimmy Newson

CEO | Founder - Moving Forward Small Business

As a business growth strategy consultant and international speaker, Jimmy Newson has worked with organizations of all sizes, but his specialty lies in working with small businesses and entrepreneurs. He founded Moving Forward Small Business, a membership-based organization that helps businesses grow and achieve their goals through practical and actionable advice. Jimmy is also a contributor and Leadership Network member with Entrepreneur.com, where he shares his expertise on small business management and growth.

Check Out Membership Today!

Moving Forward Small Business (MFSB) is dedicated to helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups achieve growth and resilience. They offer tailored strategies, digital transformation services, SEO solutions, and AI-powered tools. MFSB provides expert consulting, market research, and lead generation to enhance digital presence and optimize growth, alongside signature programs, resources, and ongoing membership support.