Whether you're a startup founder, a growing business owner, or simply exploring how to better position your company financially, this session is designed to give you actionable insight into securing the right kind of funding to support your goals.



We’ll begin by covering the fundamentals of understanding and preparing for capital, followed by strategies for managing and approaching business debt effectively. We’ll also explore the current state of business lending—what's changing, what lenders are looking for, and how to stay competitive in today's market.

Leading the session is Craig Russom, an experienced business consultant with an extensive background in finance, lending, and entrepreneurship. Craig holds degrees in Aeronautics and Mathematics from Miami University of Ohio, has served as a licensed financial advisor, and brings over 28 years of self-employment experience, including ownership in specialty retail sporting goods. He’s also a licensed commercial real estate broker since 2006.

Craig’s deep understanding of both the lender’s perspective and the entrepreneur’s journey makes this a valuable session for anyone preparing to raise capital or refine their financial strategy.