Start Small, Grow Big: How to Navigate Challenges to Fund Your Business (panel)

Small Business Startups are often faced with challenges getting that seed capital that they so desperately need. Hear from the experts on how to get that startup funding for your idea.

Joel Nania

Joel Nania came to the SBA in 2013 after a successful 30-year career in business and business consulting. Joel is a firm believer in the power and effectiveness of solid business planning for new and existing businesses emphasizing the importance of entrepreneurial vision and foundational business values as key components to business differentiation and success. Joel is a Wisconsin native but has lived in the Inland Northwest since 1981. He received his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Ron Barkley

50 plus years in banking primarily making loans to start-ups and existing businesses. Background in reviewing financial statements and working with clients on how to interpret what their financial statements are trying to tell them. I spent a number of years reviewing loan requests for SBA loans.

Ursula Sanson

Ursula Sanson is passionate about serving others, and through her you can expect to find empathetic, friendly and helpful advising sessions. She has over 15 years of experience consumer banking, and is best known for her skills in using consumer centered innovative processes for market development. She also ran a coffee shop chain focused on marketing and business strategy, innovation and financials, leading to growth from 11 to 21 stores in 3 years. Her cultural diversity comes from working with Citibank on projects for Central America and from the Brand development of the coffee shop chain doing business with South and North America. She speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.

PJ Ellis

Fueled by the desire to move capital into underserved communities, P.J. joined SNAP Financial Access as a business lender in June of 2023 after completing an MBA at Whitworth University. You will find him assisting customers with business plans and cash flow projections, assembling loan proposals, and doing outreach in the community. He desires to make the loan process more efficient and is ready to assist you!