FIN FIT

This webinar, part of the Georgia Secretary of State's FinFit Empowerment Series, brings together cybersecurity and legal experts to educate businesses on protecting themselves from cyber threats and fraud. The panel includes former federal prosecutors, attorneys general staff, and cybersecurity consultants who discuss the most common cyber crimes targeting small businesses, including business email compromise, ransomware attacks, and social engineering schemes. They explain how fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence and sophisticated technology to deceive victims, particularly targeting elderly individuals and small businesses with limited cybersecurity resources. The experts emphasize the importance of employee training, implementing basic cyber hygiene practices (people, passwords, patches, and plans), and having incident response plans in place. They provide practical advice on recognizing red flags, such as urgent payment requests and last-minute changes to payment instructions, and stress the critical importance of reporting incidents quickly to law enforcement and financial institutions to maximize chances of recovering stolen funds. The webinar concludes with resources for further education and reporting, including the FBI's IC3.gov website and various government agency resources for fraud prevention.

Romance scams are on the rise, exploiting trust and emotional connection. Join us to learn how these scams operate, why they’re increasing, practical tips to recognize red flags, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming a target.

The webinar is moderated by Award-winning Journalist Donna Lowry. Speakers for this free webinar include Shawn Conroy, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Office of the Attorney General Chris Carr, Consumer Protection Division; Shawn Horace, Senior Special Agent CFE, CACTS, Criminal Investigations Division, Office of Commissioner John F. King; Gerri Walsh, President, FINRA Investor Education Foundation, Senior Vice President, Investor Education; and Noula Zaharis, Assistant Commissioner of Securities, Division Director Securities & Charities Division Georgia Secretary of State.

Whether you're launching a new venture or scaling an existing one, you’ll gain practical insights on how to prepare your business for funding, what lenders and investors look for, and how to choose the right capital path for your goals. Join us to learn the tools, resources, and confidence you need to secure the funding that fuels lasting growth.

The webinar is moderated by Award-winning Journalist Donna Lowry. Speakers for this free webinar include Anita Davis, President and Founder of Praxis Strategic Solutions; Nickolas “Nick” Downey, Founder and CEO of MerchLogix, Inc.; and Maria Peck, Atlanta Market Engagement Officer for Momentus Capital.

This webinar, part of Georgia's FinFit Empowerment Series, is specifically designed for Georgia educators who want to take control of their financial future. Hosted by journalist Donna Lowry and featuring Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, the program brings together three financial experts to discuss retirement planning strategies for teachers. Winston Buckley from the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia explains how the TRS pension system works, including benefit calculations and the valuable lifetime income it provides to educators. Steven Davenport, a CFA, discusses investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of low-cost index funds and proper asset allocation, particularly during the critical five years before and after retirement. Certified financial planner Kristen Pugh breaks down different retirement vehicles like 403(b)s and IRAs, explains tax implications of pension income, and highlights Georgia's favorable tax treatment for retirees. The panel addresses common concerns including Social Security contributions, inflation protection, and the emotional aspects of financial decision-making. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize that teachers are uniquely positioned for retirement success due to their pension benefits and natural planning abilities, while encouraging early and consistent retirement planning. The webinar includes interactive polls showing audience engagement levels and concludes with practical next steps for attendees to improve their financial wellness.

October 28, 2025 - 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. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, join us for a high-impact event designed to fuel your business success.

The first part of the event is a panel discussion moderated by Donna Lowry, Award Winning Journalist. Panelists include Kendall Butler, Owner FLI Properties; Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO®, Angel Investor & Small Business Advisor; William “Bill” Stump, JR., Director Community Banking, Community Bank & Trust; and Phil Wise, Area Director for the UGA SBDC in Columbus. The second part of the event is a hands-on learning lab led by Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO®, Angel Investor & Small Business Advisor. The video does not include this portion. We ask that attend the event to truly benefit from the learning lab.

October 16, 2025 - 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. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, join us for a high-impact event designed to fuel your business success.

The panelist discussion is moderated by Donna Lowry, Award Winning Journalist. Panelists include April Berry, Senior Commercial Lender, ACE- Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs; Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO®, Angel Investor & Small Business Advisor; JJ Johnson, Multi-Unit Franchise owner of StretchLab Studios, Atlanta and Smoothie King, Rome; Peter Matthews, Area Director, UGA Small Business Development Center, Rome, GA; and Corey L. Townsend, Senior Vice President and Business Development Officer, Ameris Bank.

The second part of the event is a hands-on learning lab, with a free workbook for each attendee. This is led by Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO®, Angel Investor & Small Business Advisor. The video does not include this portion. We ask that attend the event to truly benefit from the learning lab.

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.)

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.

September 25, 2024. 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 will 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 event is moderated by Donna Lowry. Panelists include Kelvin Collins, President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving the Fall Line Corridor; Marguerite Pressley Davis, Founder & CEO, Finance Savvy CEO®, Angel Investor & Small Business Advisor; Nema Etheridge, Area Director, Albany UGA SBDC– Small Business Development Center; M.Taylor Jenkins, Vice President – Commercial Lender, Flint Community Bank; Tommie Beth Willis, South Georgia Regional Director, ACE – Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs; and Ava O’Neal Wilson, CEO, O'Neal's Consulting & Training Services.

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.

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.

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.

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.