- Learn what capital is available to you as a small business
- Get yourself Banking application ready
- Get yourself ready for a banking interview
- Learn about the Huntington Lift Local program
- Learn how SCORE can help you in this process
- Learn What ECDI/WBC have to offer in terms of community capital and resources
Meet the Panelists:
Aminata Soko, Director of the Women’s Business Center of Central Ohio.
Prior to her current role, she was a Relationship Manager/Loan Officer at the Economic and Community Development Institute. Aminata helps entrepreneurs transform their entrepreneurial dreams into feasible business opportunities through business coaching, training and access to capital.
Prior to coming to Columbus, Aminata lived in Pittsburgh, PA for 5 years where she got her bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA in Sustainable Business Practices. While getting her MBA, Aminata completed several environmental and social sustainability consulting engagements, assisting corporations with the implementation of lasting social and environmental impact initiatives.
Paige Sanchez, Vice President, Program Manager Huntington’s Lift Local Business Program
Paige Sanchez is a five-year Army Veteran, serving from 2012 to 2017 following her graduation and commission from the United States Military Academy, West Point. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from the United States Military Academy and a master’s in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers University. Paige joined Huntington National Bank in 2018 as the bank’s very first Military Veteran Rotational candidate. Following the successful completion of the rotational program, she joined Huntington’s SBA and Credit Delivery Team as the Huntington Lift Local Business Program Manager. She is currently serving on the National Veteran’s Memorial and Museum Operating Board as the Board Treasure and is active in Huntington’s Military Business Resource Group.
Paige is originally from Indiana. She and her husband Juan moved to the Columbus area following his assignment to the Defense Supply Center. A household of veterans, Juan is a Navy retiree after 22 years of service.
Leslie Kulis, Vice Chair of SCORE Columbus
SCORE Columbus provides free mentoring and education to small businesses. Leslie has 38 years of business experience working for Armstrong World Industries and Armstrong Flooring in various roles. Leslie was Director of Sales Operations, Customer Service and Innovation. She was named 2016 Central Pennsylvania’s Women of Influence. She has been a mentor for SCORE for the last 5 years and enjoys volunteering in the Columbus area.