Your First $50K: How Microloans Can Fund Your Business

At Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE), we know one of the biggest barriers to building a business isn’t a lack of ideas—it’s access to capital.

For many women founders, traditional financing can feel just out of reach. Limited operating history, nontraditional business models, or imperfect credit often stand between entrepreneurs and the funding they need to move forward. The good news? Venture capital and bank loans aren’t the only path.

Join us for this practical conversation with the microenterprise lending experts at Suncoast Credit Union as we demystify one of the most overlooked funding tools available to entrepreneurs. Whether you’re launching a startup, building a consulting practice, developing a SaaS product, or growing an established small business, you’ll learn how microloans can provide the capital—and the support—to help you reach your next milestone.

This session goes beyond loan applications. We’ll explore what lenders actually look for, how to position your business for success, and how the right financial partner can help you build a stronger business long before your first investment round or traditional bank loan.

What You’ll Learn

Whether you’re just getting started or preparing for your next stage of growth, you’ll leave with practical guidance on how to become funding-ready. Together, we’ll explore:

• When a microloan is the right funding strategy—and when it isn’t
• What lenders really evaluate beyond your credit score
• How women founders can position nontraditional and tech-enabled businesses for success
• The difference between “not approved” and “not yet”—and how to strengthen your application
• How to borrow strategically and maximize the return on your first infusion of capital
• The value of technical assistance, mentorship, and business coaching alongside financing
• How microloans can become a stepping stone to larger funding opportunities

Whether your goal is your first customer, your first employee, or your first $50K in growth capital, this workshop will help you understand the path forward.

Meet Your Speaker: Stacy Miller, Founder & CEO of BayView Financial Planning

Stacy Miller, CFP®

Founder & CEO, BayView Financial Planning

Stacy is a Certified Financial Planner® and the Founder/CEO of BayView Financial Planning, where she helps women, widows, and military-connected families invest in their future with clarity and confidence. A seasoned speaker and writer, Stacy is an expert in the technical AND the emotional sides of the financial challenges women face across every life stage.

As a military spouse and mom of two Gen Z sons—both of whom graduated college debt-free thanks to her guidance—Stacy knows firsthand the value of planning ahead and building systems that work for real life. She lives, hikes, volunteers, and paddleboards in Tampa Bay.

Jeff Minaya

Director of Workplace Banking & Microenterprise, Suncoast Credit Union

Jeff Minaya leads Workplace Banking and Microenterprise initiatives at Suncoast Credit Union, where he helps expand financial literacy, small business development, workforce readiness, and access to capital across Florida. With more than a decade of leadership experience in financial services, Jeff is passionate about creating pathways to economic opportunity through community partnerships, customized financial solutions, and entrepreneur-focused programs. A dedicated mentor and community volunteer, he is widely recognized for his collaborative leadership and commitment to helping businesses thrive.

Johannys Irizarry, MBA

Microenterprise Development Specialist, Suncoast Credit Union

Johannys Irizarry has spent more than 20 years helping consumers and entrepreneurs navigate the lending landscape. As a Microenterprise Development Specialist at Suncoast Credit Union, she works directly with small business owners to connect them with funding solutions that support startup, expansion, and long-term success. Her passion for economic development and commitment to empowering entrepreneurs make her a trusted advisor for businesses taking their next step.

Brandon Martinez

Microenterprise Development Specialist, Suncoast Credit Union

Brandon Martinez helps entrepreneurs access capital and build stronger financial foundations through his work as a Microenterprise Development Specialist at Suncoast Credit Union. With years of banking experience and a passion for small business success, Brandon combines practical lending expertise with a commitment to financial education. Recognized with the 2024 Financial Literacy Award, he is dedicated to helping founders gain the knowledge and confidence to grow sustainable businesses.

JD Pineda Londono, Ph.D.

Microenterprise Specialist, Suncoast Credit Union

Dr. JD Pineda Londono is a Microenterprise Specialist, educator, and strategic leader dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their financial and professional goals. Drawing on more than 16 years of leadership experience in education and school administration, along with advanced degrees in international relations, leadership, and strategic leadership, he brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to business development. His work focuses on advancing financial wellness, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity throughout the Tampa Bay region while helping small business owners build strong foundations for growth.

About Suncoast Credit Union

As Florida’s largest credit union, Suncoast Credit Union is committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial success. Through its Microenterprise Program, Suncoast provides entrepreneurs with access to capital, technical assistance, financial education, and personalized guidance designed to help small businesses launch, grow, and thrive. By investing in local entrepreneurs, Suncoast is strengthening communities and expanding economic opportunity across Florida. 🔗

Learn more about the Suncoast Credit Union Microenterprise Program here.

About Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship (WTE)

Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship is a dues-free, member-led organization helping women across all industries start, scale, and lead in today’s economy. Through educational programming, near-peer mentorship, and a thriving community of support, WTE connects ambitious women with the knowledge, resources, and relationships they need to build successful careers and businesses—on their own terms.

Learn more about Women in Tech & Entrepreneurship here.