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Fearless Fundraising for Your Small Business-Gwinnett
November 29, 2024 FIN FIT live event at Gwinnett Technical College, Lawrenceville, GA. Starting a business and making it profitable is challenging. Secretary Raffensperger is dedicated to empowering Georgians to acquire the necessary skills for success in starting their business and growing it. FIN FIT is the Secretary of State’s live event where panelists discuss how to fearlessly raise capital to finance your small business. They also discuss the details of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE), a powerful tool for Georgians looking to raise capital to fund their new venture or just grow their already thriving business. FIN FIT’s workshop portion will cover the topics of developing fundraising goals, preparing your fundraising package and what to consider before you say yes, and managing your investor relationships for continued success and sustainability.
The event is moderated by Donna Lowry. Panelists include Todd Anduze, Area Director UGA SBDC in Gwinnett; Jennifer Bridwell, Gwinnett Market President/SVP, Georgia Banking Company; Allen Carter, President of Carter Construction; Chris Clay, Director of Lending, ACE-Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs; Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO®, Angel Investor & Small Business Advisor; Nickolas Downey, Engineer, Founder CEO, MerchLogix, Inc., Angel Investor; and Dr. Kim Carter Evans, Senior Vice President, Managing Director-National Market Operations, TruFund Financial Services.
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Fearless Fundraising for Your Small Business - Atlanta Technical College
October 24, 2024 FIN FIT event at Atlanta Technical College. Starting a business and making it profitable is challenging. Secretary Raffensperger is dedicated to empowering Georgians to acquire the necessary skills for success in starting their business and growing it. FIN FIT is the Secretary of State’s live event where the panelists discuss how to fearlessly raise capital to finance your small business. They also discuss the details of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE), a powerful tool for Georgians looking to raise capital to fund their new venture or just grow their already thriving business. The panel discussion is moderated by Donna Lowry, Award Winning Journalist. Panelists will include Steven Bromell, Operations Manager, S Pro Cutters Lawnscapes, Inc.; Nickolas Downey, CEO of MerchLogix, Angel Investor; Victoria DuBose, Branch Manager, Truist Bank; and Ryan Swanson, Business Consultant, UGA SBDC. The second part of the event was led by Jeff Patterson, Supervisory Lender Relations/Economic Development, Georgia District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration. Jeff covers the topic “Access to Capital and The 5 C’s of Credit.” (To view the second half of the event, we ask that you come to our next live event and get the benefits of being in person.)
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Fearless Fundraising for Your Small Business - Macon
October 8, 2024 FIN FIT live event at Mercer University, Macon, GA. Starting a business and making it profitable is challenging. Secretary Raffensperger is dedicated to empowering Georgians to acquire the necessary skills for success in starting their business and growing it. FinFit is the Secretary of State’s live event where panelists will discuss how to fearlessly raise capital to finance your small business. They will also discuss the details of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE), a powerful tool for Georgians looking to raise capital to fund their new venture or just grow their already thriving business. FinFit’s workshop portion will cover the topics of developing fundraising goals, preparing your fundraising package and what to consider before you say yes, and managing your investor relationships for continued success and sustainability. A free workbook is included with our hands-on workshop.
The event is moderated by Donna Lowry, Award Winning Journalist. Panelists include Jason Blankenship, Vice President, Better Business Bureau, serving the Fall Line Corridor, Inc.; Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO®, Angel Investor & Small Business Advisor; Scott Mitchell, Owner & Operator of The Bohemian Den and Sweet Eleanor's Divine; Josh Rogers, President & CEO, NewTown Macon; Peter Williams, Senior Business Consultant, UGA Small Business Development Center; and Tommie Beth Willis, South Georgia Regional Director, ACE – Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs.
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FIN FIT Valdosta
September 18, 2024 FIN FIT live event at the Rainwater Conference Center, Valdosta, GA. FinFit is the GA Secretary of State’s event where panelists will discuss how to fearlessly raise capital to finance your small business. They will also discuss the details of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE), a powerful tool for Georgians looking to raise capital tofund their new venture or just grow their already thriving business. FinFit’s workshop portion will cover the topics of developing fundraising goals, preparing your fundraising package and what to consider before you say yes, and managing your investor relationships for continued success and sustainability.
The event is moderated by Donna Lowry. The panelists include Tim Craig, Director of Business Development for the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce; Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO®, Angel Investor & Small Business Advisor; Alyssa Foskey, Area Director, UGA SBDC - Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University; Chris Jones, Co-founder and Director of Business Development at Georgia Beer Company; Chanel Randolph, Commercial Loan Officer, ACE-Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs South Georgia; Steven Reynolds, Vice President of Business Services, First Commerce Credit Union.
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Fearless Fundraising for Your Small Business-Brunswick
June 5, 2024 FIN FIT live event at Queen and Grant, Brunswick, GA Panelists from the community discuss how to fearlessly raise capital to finance your small business, as well as discuss the details of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE). The event is moderated by Donna Lowry, an Award-Winning Journalist. Panelists for this event include Panelists for this event include Jimmy Arnold, Co-owner of Dynamic Landscape Design and Pressure Washing & CEO/Founder of Dynamic Business Consulting; Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO®, Angel Investor & Small Business Advisor; Mary Harris Jenrette, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marshland Credit Union; David Lewis, Area Director of the Brunswick office of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC); Pryce May, Founder and Executive Director of the esteemed Golden Isles Film Festival, Inc. & Creative Director of PM Cinematography; and Dr. Ande Notkes, Founding Executive Director of the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship.
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Fearless Fundraising for Your Small Business-Dalton
April 4, 2024 FIN FIT live event at Dalton State College, Dalton, GA. Panelists from the community discuss how to fearlessly raise capital to finance your small business, as well as discuss the details of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE). The event is moderated by Donna Lowry, an Award-Winning Journalist. Panelists for this event include Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO®, Angel Investor & Small Business Advisor; Tyler Hudson, Head Coach and Founder, Shankly Elite Training, LLC; Linden Jackson, America’s Financial Wellbeing Coach, Operation HOPE; Peter Matthews, Area Advisor, UGA SBDA; and Adam Shull, SVP, Chief Credit Officer, North Georgia National Bank.
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Fearless Fundraising for Your Small Business-Conyers Pt. 1
November 9, 2023
November 9, 2023 FIN FIT live event at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA. Panelists from the community discuss how to fearlessly raise capital to finance your small business, as well as discuss the details of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE). The event is moderated by Donna Lowry, an Award-Winning Journalist. Panelists include Nancy Alhabashi, Owner of Nancy’s Candy and Spice; Steve Bromell, Operations Manager, Pro Cutters Lawnscapes, Inc; Desha Elliott, Market Development Manager of Accion Opportunity Fund; and Ryan Swanson, GA SBDA Business Consultant.
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Fearless Fundraising for Your Small Business-Conyers Pt. 2
November 9, 2023
FIN FIT live event at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, GA. Panelists from the community discuss how to fearlessly raise capital to finance your small business, as well as discuss the details of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE). The event is moderated by Donna Lowry, an Award-Winning Journalist. Panelists include Nickolas Downey, Engineer, Founder CEO, MerchLogix, Inc.; Victoria DuBose, Assistant Vice President, Branch Leader III, Truist Bank; Linden Jackson, America’s Financial Wellbeing Coach, Operation HOPE; and Karen Rands, Chief Compassionate Capitalist, Owner of Kugarand Capital Holdings.
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Fearless Fundraising for Your Small Business-Augusta
October 26, 2023
FIN FIT live event at The Savannah Rapids Pavillion in Martinez, GA.
Panelists from the community discuss how to fearlessly raise capital to finance your small business, as well as discuss the details of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE). The event is moderated by Donna Lowry, an Award-Winning Journalist. Panelists for this event include Rafy Bassali, Entrepreneur and Owner at Swank Augusta & RB Capital Investments; Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO™ and creator of Your Profit Playbook™; Rebecca Callis Mixson, Business Consultant, GA SBDC; Cody Shepherd, Executive Vice President, CSR Business Lending; and Dustin Young, Senior Vice President, Director of Lending and Business Services, Pinnacle Bank.
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Fearless Fundraising for Your Small Business-Gainesville
September 14, 2023
FIN FIT live event at The Brenau University Center in Gainesville, GA. Panelists from the community discuss how to fearlessly raise capital to finance your small business, as well as discuss the details of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE). The event is moderated by Donna Lowry, an Award-Winning Journalist. Panelists for this event include April Berry, Commercial Lender, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE); Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO™ and creator of Your Profit Playbook™; Nickolas Downey, Engineer, Founder CEO, MerchLogix, Inc.; Matt Dubnik, Chief Engagement Officer, Forum Communications; Steven Gold, President and CEO, Allied Financial; Mike Underwood, Senior Vice President, Peach State Bank & Trust; and Amanda Wilbanks, CEO & Founder of Southern Baked Pie.
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Fearless Fundraising for Your Small Business-Savannah
June 22, 2023 FIN FIT live event at The Savannah Station in Savannah, GA. Panelists from the community discuss how to fearlessly raise capital to finance your small business, as well as discuss the details of the Invest Georgia Exemption (IGE). The event is moderated by Donna Lowry, an Award-Winning Journalist. Panelists include Becky Brownlee, Area Director for Small Business Development Center (SBDC); Kristy Crill, Founder of The Dive Savannah & The Dive Savannah Foundation; Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO™ and creator of Your Profit Playbook™; Terrence Louk, Chief Executive Officer of Coastal Area District Development Authority, Inc. (CADDA); Diana Morrison, Owner & CEO of Ad Specialty Services; Vernell Stewart, Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs, Women’s Business Center, Savannah Region; and Nathaniel Wayne, Small Business Loan Officer, Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC).
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One-Stop Shop: SOS Licensing, Corporations, Securities/Charities
The Georgia Secretary of State's Division Directors of SOS Licensing, Corporation and Securities/Charities, will provide details about their division and walk you through the sos.ga.gov website for all of your small business needs.
The event will be moderated by Shardéa Ages, CFP®, Co-founder and Senior Wealth Advisor at Collective Wealth Partners. Speakers for this free webinar include Wanda Jaffe, Deputy Director of Georgia Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Division; Anika M. Walker, Director of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Corporations Division, and Noula Zaharis, Assistant Commissioner of Securities and the Director of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Securities & Charities Division.
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Investment Fraud: Spot the Red Flags and Take Action
Investment fraud continues to plague businesses, as it has for decades, even during and after the pandemic. According to the FTC, investors reported losing more than $3.8 billion to fraud in 2022. Protecting your assets is important to ensure the financial well-being and retirement security of millions of Americans. Our panelists discuss the dynamics of investment fraud victimization, how fraudsters use social influence tactics to defraud their victims, highlight the top red flags of fraud, and how you can take action steps to protect your investments.
The webinar is moderated by award-winning journalist Donna Lowry. Speakers include David F. Blake, CFE, CECFE, CACTS, Financial Forensic Specialist, Georgia Department of Human Services; Kamal Ghali, Co-founder, Chaiken Ghali LLP, Gerri Walsh, President, FINRA Investor Education Foundation, Senior Vice President, Investor Education, FINRA; and Simone Williams, Media & Public Relations Lead, BBB Atlanta & NE Georgia.
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Part 2-ReThink Your Money: Building Your Financial Toolbox
Whether you’re early in your career and want to start on the right track or you’re close to retirement, our panelists cover financial tools which include budgeting, insurance, retirement planning, and estate planning. The right financial tools in your toolbox for each step of your journey can lead to financial independence.
The event is moderated by award-winning journalist Donna Lowry. Speakers include Cait Howerton, MBA, CFP®, Certified Financial Planner Professional at Archer Investment Management; Robert MacDonald, Private Wealth Advisor (retired); Kristin M. Pugh, CFP®, Private Wealth Manager at Creative Planning; and Fredrick Standfield, Fredrick Standfield, CFP®, CPA®, Founder of Lifewater Wealth Management.
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ReThink Your Money: Building Your Financial Toolbox
When it comes to financial knowledge, it’s not only important to have the right tool for the job, but also to know how to use it for maximum benefit. Building your financial toolkit takes time, focus and dedication. Knowing where you stand financially will help you act proactively and avoid costly problems. Our panelists discuss the various financial tools to help manage your personal finances and gain the confidence you need to make better financial decisions.
The webinar is moderated by award-winning journalist Donna Lowry. Speakers include Cait Howerton, MBA, CFP®, Certified Financial Planner Professional at Archer Investment Management; Robert MacDonald, Private Wealth Advisor (retired); Kristin M. Pugh, CFP®, Private Wealth Manager at Creative Planning; and Fredrick Standfield, Founder of Lifewater Wealth Management.
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Invest Wisely
Investing can be a great way to help grow your money. By making smart decisions to invest in investments that are right for you, you can reduce the risk factor, increase the reward factor, and generate returns. And that means you’ll have more economic power in the future. Our panelists explore the different ways to invest as well as specific factors to take into consideration when investing.
The webinar is moderated by the Host/Producer of Lawmakers and Lawmakers: Beyond The Dome on GPB-TV Donna Lowry. Our panelists include Steve Davenport, Principal at Circa Capital, LLC; Tiffany Kent, CFP®, Principal of Wealth Engagement, LLC; Malik S. Lee, CFP®, CAP®, APMA®, Managing Principal and Founder of Felton & Peel Wealth Management; and Robert Mascio, Director of FINRA Investor Education Foundation.
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Military Money: Personal Financial Readiness
No matter where you are in your military career, taking time to assess your financial well-being can provide insights into whether you’re financially fit. Our panelists discuss the fundamentals of money management, investing, avoiding debt and creating practical solutions for financial goals, saving for retirement, and resources available to you for your financial future.
The webinar is moderated by Moderator, Host/Producer of Lawmakers and Lawmakers: Beyond The Dome on GPB-TV Donna Lowry. Speakers for this free webinar include Kimber Armstrong, Strategic Partnerships Lead at BBB Atlanta & NE Georgia; Shay Cook, MS, AFC®, FFC®, Financial Readiness Manager - FINRA Investor Education Foundation; Kim Lankford, Personal Finance Journalist; and CPT Jordan M. Thompson, Growth Development Director & Financial Advisor.
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SeniorSAFE: Protecting Your Finances
Elder and disabled adults may have to rely on others for help in their personal and financial activities. Unfortunately, there are people who seek to take advantage of elder adults and disabled adults for their own personal financial gain. Knowing the signs of financial abuse may help save you, your loved one, or senior friend from devastating financial scams or other fraud. Our panelists give you tips and resources to help spot, prevent and report elder financial exploitation.
The webinar is moderated by Moderator, Host /Producer of Lawmakers and Lawmakers: Beyond The Dome on GPB-TV Donna Lowry. Speakers for this free webinar include Mark A. Fellows, CFE, CACTS, Financial Forensic Specialist, Forensic Special Initiatives Unit; Christine N. Kieffer, Senior Director, FINRA Investor Education Foundation; Ron Long, Principal, Long Life Consulting; and Simone Williams, Media & Public Relations Lead, BBB Atlanta & NE Georgia.
Latest News & Announcements
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January 28, 2025
Secretary Raffensperger Issues Emergency Order Against Atlanta Discount Home Deals and Mark Jackson
Georgia Secretary of State and Commissioner of Securities, Brad Raffensperger, issued an emergency order against Atlanta Discount Home Deals...Read the full article -
January 17, 2025
Secretary Raffensperger Joins $106 Million Multi-State Settlement Providing Relief to Georgia Investors
Secretary Raffensperger Joins $106 Million Multi-State Settlement Providing Relief to Georgia InvestorsRead the full article -
December 18, 2024
Secretary Raffensperger Issues Emergency Order Against Trage Technologies Limited & Affiliates for Securities Violations
Emergency Order to protect Georgia consumers issued, enforcement action taken....Read the full article -
December 16, 2024
Secretary Raffensperger’s 2024 In-Review
As Secretary of State, my top priority is clear: creating better futures for Georgia families...Read the full article
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