Ep. 3 💳 Thinking about taking out a business loan? Hit pause—because this episode might save you from making an expensive mistake.
In this episode of Elevating Enterprise Jazzy T + RJ catch up with Yahaira Zapata, Deputy Director of Economic Development at the Enterprise Center at Pathstone in Rochester, NY, who shares insider tips every MWBE and small business owner should know before signing on the dotted line. From accessing your share of $300,000 in new SBA funding, to rebuilding your credit after the pandemic, Yahaira drops gems on how to fund smart, avoid predatory pitfalls, and grow with strategy.
💸 From micro-loans to pitch competitions, and credit rebuilding to relationship-building—this episode will show you how access + education = elevation.
🔑 In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ Why “how much can I get?” is the wrong question to ask
✅ How to make your business funding-ready—even with shaky credit
âś… Free technical assistance and training programs that give you a competitive edge
âś… What lenders actually want to see in your projections and business plan
📌 Resources Mentioned:
🏢 Enterprise Center at Pathstone: TheEnterpriseCenterInc.org
📆 National Small Business Week Events (May 4–10): NSBWROC.com
Chapters:
0:00 – Fueling Dreams: How Microloans + Education Empower Entrepreneurs
2:51 – Funding Our Future: Resources for Diverse & Underserved Founders
6:02 – Facing Credit Hurdles? Here's Why You're Not Alone
7:59 – Bounce Back Better: Rebuilding Business Credit After the Pandemic
9:50 – From Confused to Confident: Free Business Education That Works
16:03 – Why Smart Entrepreneurs Show Up for Free Programs
19:45 – Money on Your Terms: How Flexible Loans Can Help You Grow
22:22 – Fund Smart, Not Fast: Strategies to Secure the Right Support
26:35 – Relationships Over Rejections: How to Stay Top of Mind and Get Funded
30:15 – Your Playbook: 3 Must-Do Moves to Get Funding-Ready
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