Unlocking Access to Capital Through Community Partners and Grants
February 11th, 2026 | 10:00 AM PT
This session will explore how early relationship-building and community engagement can create capital opportunities. Founders will gain practical insight into how grants, philanthropic partnerships and CDFI loans can fuel momentum now and strengthen readiness for future funding opportunities.
Founders will explore:
- Where grants and community capital fit in the broader funding landscape
- How to match the right opportunities to their current stage and mission
- How partnerships and community engagement can be used as strategic levers for capital access
- The relationship signals funders look for when choosing who to support
- How to lead with your strengths as business owners
- Available tools and resources for community capital
Meet our panelists
Kimelyn Harris
Head of Business Growth Philanthropy at Wells Fargo
Allison Kelly
CEO at ICA Fund
Shannan Herbert
CEO at Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif)
Nicola Corzine
Founding CEO & Executive Director of the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center is a 501c(3) public charity whose mission it is to make entrepreneurship accessible to all. We deliver free resources, expert guidance, and top-tier mentorship to over 100,000 entrepreneurs worldwide. Your support helps us continue delivering these transformative programs—expanding access to entrepreneurship and driving economic progress for all. Join us and make a gift today to help more entrepreneurs thrive!
All Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least 48 hours in advance of this event; please send an email to nasdaqcenterlive@nasdaqcenter.org with the subject header ACCOMMODATION REQUEST. For assistance with registration or other technical difficulties, please contact hello@nasdaqcenter.org.
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