Exciting Opportunity for Small Businesses: 2024 Financially Fit Event in Albany

ALBANY – The Secretary of State encourages all residents of Georgia to take part in the complimentary 2024 Financially Fit event aimed specifically at small businesses, set to take place at Albany State University.

Official Announcement from the Secretary of State

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is thrilled to reveal that the much-anticipated fourth installment of the 2024 FIN FIT (Financially Fit) event will occur on Wednesday, September 25, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The venue for this significant gathering will be the Albany State University-West Campus in Student Center C266, located at 2400 Gillionville Rd, Albany, GA 31707. We are particularly proud to collaborate with the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce in hosting this essential event for small business owners. Attendance is free and open to all Georgians who wish to enhance their business acumen. Each attendee will receive a comprehensive workbook as well as a complimentary breakfast to fuel their learning experience.

The Importance of Financial Literacy for Entrepreneurs

Starting a business and guiding it towards profitability can be a daunting task, filled with challenges at every turn. Hence, Secretary Raffensperger is committed to equipping Georgians with the essential skills needed to flourish in their entrepreneurial endeavors. The FIN FIT event acts as a dynamic platform, featuring industry experts who will share insights on how to confidently raise capital to fund your small business. In addition, they will delve into the specifics of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE), a crucial mechanism designed to aid Georgians seeking to secure funds for their new startups or already flourishing businesses. The workshop sessions will address vital topics, such as setting realistic fundraising goals, crafting an effective fundraising package, key considerations before making commitments, and building strong investor relationships for ongoing success and organizational sustainability. To facilitate a hands-on learning experience, participants will receive a free, informative workbook.

Community Engagement and Support

“We’re dedicated to bringing this vital knowledge and building partnerships for the benefit of as many Georgians as possible,” expressed Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Albany community for its unwavering support.”

The event will be skillfully moderated by Donna Lowry, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for all participants. The esteemed panelists will include Kelvin Collins, the President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving the Fall Line Corridor; Marguerite Pressley Davis, the Founder & CEO of Finance Savvy CEO®, who also serves as an Angel Investor and Small Business Advisor; Nema Etheridge, the Area Director of Albany’s UGA SBDC (Small Business Development Center); Marvin Oliver Jr., a Commercial Relationship Manager at AB&T and a recognized Community Champion; Tommie Beth Willis, the South Georgia Regional Director of ACE (Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs); and Ava O’Neal Wilson, the dynamic CEO of O’Neal’s Consulting & Training Services.

Building Strategic Partnerships

“Partnerships in local communities are fostering significant outreach for these programs,” stated Noula Zaharis, Assistant Commissioner of Securities. “We are genuinely thrilled to join forces with the Albany community to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit, supporting growth in ways we had not initially anticipated. The skills imparted in this event are vital for business development and success.”

Overview of the FIN FIT Initiative

FIN FIT is a series of seminars aimed at financial empowerment, hosted by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger as a key component of his comprehensive financial literacy initiative. This initiative is administered through the Securities and Charities divisions within the Office of the Secretary of State. These free-of-charge programs gather industry leaders who present resources and knowledge that enhance participants’ understanding of financial matters, their relationship with money, and strategies for wealth generation.

Join Us to Elevate Your Business

The office of the Secretary of State warmly invites all Georgians to engage in these informative and no-cost events designed to uplift and educate.

Registration and Resources

To secure your spot for this free event, click here.

To gain further insight into the FIN FIT program, click here.

To explore and download our free financial resources, click here.

To stay updated on all initiatives and news from the Secretary of State’s office, please follow us on social media at GA Sec State.

Enhancing Your Understanding of legal Terms

In today’s fast-paced business world, navigating legal jargon can often pose significant challenges for small business owners. This is where the AI legalese decoder comes into play. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, this tool can simplify complex legal content into easily digestible information. As small business owners participate in the FIN FIT event, they can utilize the AI legalese decoder to demystify contractual obligations and funding agreements they might encounter. This ensures that they fully understand their rights and responsibilities, empowering them to make informed decisions as they seek to raise capital and expand their enterprises. In conclusion, with the support of initiatives like FIN FIT and tools such as the AI legalese decoder, Georgia’s entrepreneurs are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of business ownership.