You're Invited! Empowering Small Businesses for Financial Readiness - FREE Session

This engaging session brings together a powerhouse panel of North Carolina's top industry experts who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing small businesses today.

AGENDA:

1:30-2:00 pm - Arrivals, Check-in, Coffee

2:00-2:10 pm - Call to Order and Opening Remarks by Dr. Michael Rodger, President of Wilkes Community College

2:10-2:30 pm - Welcome remarks by the North Carolina Secretary of State, Elaine F. Marshall

Inspiration for Rural RISE NC and its relevance across the state. Where have we been, where are we going.

2:30-2:40 pm - (Moderator) Kevin Dick, President & CEO, Carolina Small Business Development Fund to introduce the Panelists

2:40-3:50 pm – Fire Side Chat with Panelists. Moderated Open Discussion and Q&A with live audience participation.

03:50 pm – Final Remarks

4:00 pm – Adjourn

4:00-4:30 pm - Networking

MODERATOR | PANELISTS:

Kevin Dick

President & CEO

CAROLINA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FUND

Kevin Dick began with the Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF) in February 2020. He leads a team of 40 full-time employees and has accountability for a $24m+ loan portfolio with $39m in assets under management. Kevin has helped re-position the organization as a community and economic development entity with a statewide focus. During his tenure, CSBDF has deployed $50m in capital by providing loans, grants and technical assistance to over 2000 North Carolina-based small businesses from primarily underserved communities. CSBDF also conducts economic policy research that informs government officials, philanthropic organizations, financial services institutions and other stakeholders. He has worked with the Board and staff to devise strategic plans, perform an organizational re alignment and has led the organization to become the #1 SBA Community Advantage and 7(a) lender (amongst community development financial institutions) in NC for 2022-2024. CSBDF also administers public sector loan and grant programs, bringing relief to thousands of small businesses throughout NC that were adversely impacted by the global pandemic and Hurricane Helene. In roles with the Cities of Charlotte, Durham, and Dania Beach, FL as well as Broward (FL) Workforce Development Board, initiatives under Kevin’s leadership were nationally recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), NC Sustainable Business Council, National League of Cities, US Conference of Mayors, Walmart Foundation, US DOL, and US EPA. Kevin currently holds board and committee positions with IEDC, United Minority Contractors NC, North Carolina Economic Development Association, and Triangle Community Foundation. He holds a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Georgetown University. He is designated as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council. Kevin and his wife have one daughter. 

Vanesa Murcia

Business Solutions Officer

CAROLINA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FUND

Vanesa Murcia is currently a Business Solutions Officer at CSBDF, where she plays a pivotal role in supporting business development, program delivery, and client services across North Carolina. Her journey with CSBDF began in 2018 as a Latino Program Intern. Prior to her current role, she served as a Marketing Specialist for the Western Women’s Business Center, a program of CSBDF, as well as a Business Solutions Associate.

As a North Carolina native with a deep commitment to inclusive economic development, Vanesa is passionate about expanding access to capital and supporting the state’s thriving small business ecosystem. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Economics from Johnson & Wales University.

Laurie Brintle-Jarvis

Director

SMALL BUSINESS CENTER, WCC

Laurie Brintle Jarvis is the Director of the Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College, where she has dedicated 19 years to the institution and its surrounding community. She began her career at WCC with the College Foundation, spending nine years in grant writing and fundraising before discovering her passion for entrepreneurship and stepping into her role as Small Business Center Director in 2016.

Since then, Laurie has worked with more than 1,000 clients — from startups to established businesses — providing expert counseling and guidance to entrepreneurs across Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties. A passionate advocate for small business growth, she serves as VP of Small Business Committee and as a Board Member of the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. Laurie holds certifications as both a North Carolina Real Entrepreneur Facilitator and an Entrepreneurial Mindset Trainer. She is deeply committed to her community and finds great fulfillment in helping entrepreneurs turn their visions into reality.

Patricia Billings

Branch Manager

WELLS FARGO

Patricia Billings – has 35 years of banking management experience and is a native of Alleghany. She graduated from Western Carolina and then lived in Charlotte for 15 years. Patricia met her husband (a native of Wilkes) and they moved to Wilkes in 2001 after their daughter was born to raise their family. Patricia has been the branch manager of Wells Fargo – 421 location for the last 12 years. She enjoys traveling, reading, and cooking.