Access to Capital Panel - Bethel
Bethel Library
189 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT
Free, but registration is required.
Join SBA, SCORE, and CEDF for a free, informative workshop designed to help small business owners better understand and access the funding they need to grow and sustain their businesses. This session will guide you through the key steps to becoming loan-ready, including how to organize your financials, strengthen your business profile, and present a strong application.
Participants will also explore a variety of financing options, from traditional loans to alternative resources, and learn about the support services available through local organizations. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with experienced advisors and experts who can answer your questions and help you take the next step with confidence.
Sylina Jacobs is SBA’s Connecticut District Office, Bridgeport Branch Office, Outreach and Marketing Specialist. She has a broad range of experience in banking, lending, entrepreneurship, business analysis, and online retail. She values helping small businesses succeed. With formal education from McGill University (B. Com in Marketing and International Business) and the University of Ottawa (M.B.A.), as well as Banking, IT, and tax courses, she has a love of learning. Some of Sylina’s accomplishments include negotiating for an international export contract, establishing the opening inventory balance for an international joint venture, establishing her own online retail business, working as a therapeutic horseback riding instructor for children and adults with special needs, and during the Pandemic resolving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud alerts and holds. Sylina has worked across many business sectors, including manufacturing for a Fortune 500 aerospace company, banking, and IT (FinTech). Sylina has also volunteered extensively in her community, most notably as a volunteer coordinator at Connecticut’s largest Maker Fair, as an elected public official, and as a community emergency response (CERT) team member.
Kathryn Hebert is a nationally recognized community and economic development leader with over 40 years of experience connecting businesses, municipalities, and organizations to resources, capital, and strategic opportunities. As Founder & CEO of TPMConnect, she specializes in public-private partnerships, government navigation, and initiatives that drive measurable impact and community growth.
She has led multimillion-dollar projects and held senior leadership roles, including serving as the Founding Director of Transportation, Mobility & Parking for the City of Norwalk, CT. Kathryn also serves as Head of Community Development & Engagement for SCORE Western Connecticut, supporting entrepreneurs through mentorship, partnerships, and access to capital.
Kathryn holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Public Administration (Finance), and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado.
Celeste Tapia, Community Outreach Officer, helps entrepreneurs prepare successful loan applications through the organization’s educational programming. Celeste holds a degree in Information Science and worked for ten years in libraries, where she especially enjoyed helping small business owners identify resources to start or grow their businesses.
Originally from Argentina, Celeste is bilingual, which has allowed her to lead the expansion of CEDF’s Spanish-language business education offerings. As a business owner herself, she understands the hopes, concerns, and uncertainties her clients face, as well as the joy, excitement, and empowerment that come with entrepreneurship.
Vinny DiGilio, VP, joined the Bank in 2018 and has over 18 years of experience. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Connecticut State University and is a graduate of the Connecticut Bankers Association's Connecticut School of Finance and Management. Vinny has received awards from the Connecticut Bankers Association, the Community Investment Corporation in CT, and Newtown Savings Bank for Community Service. He has been a Danbury resident for over 27 years.
