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.

✅ Why “how much can I get?” is the wrong question to ask

✅ How to make your business funding-ready—even with shaky credit

✅ Free technical assistance and training programs that give you a competitive edge

✅ What lenders actually want to see in your projections and business plan

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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