Fund Ready

Hosted by GNEC, Khady Ndiaye

Business Entrepreneurship

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Latest episode

Feb 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Fund Ready, a podcast series brought to you by the Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation, where we prepare New Jersey small business owners to successfully raise capital from community development financial institutions and other alternative sources.

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24 recent

February 26, 2026Episode 2345 min

Taming the Financial Monster: Bookkeeping for Tax Season

Watch today's episode on YouTube for a visual companion!Good bookkeeping isn’t busywork; it’s the foundation of a healthy business. In our latest Lunch and Learn session, Taherra Martin, Director of Operations at Bee Administrative Solutions, walked founders through what to do now so tax season doesn’t become a monster later.Follow GNEC on social media:Facebook: GNECInstagram: @GNECNJLinkedIn: GNECWebsite: www.gnec.orgAs a Community Development Financial Institution, we approach lending differently than traditional financial institutions. We do not just examine and make decisions based on credit scores but specialize in ways to help clients who may have difficulty accessing capital from traditional means. We assist entrepreneurs in growing economically stable businesses by helping them secure access to funds. Additionally, we provide the resources and know-how to close the racial funding gap to help make our clients bankable.

February 26, 2026Episode 2250 min

Is your financial house in order?

Watch today's episode on YouTube for a visual companion!As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to focus all your energy on growing the business. Getting customers, increasing revenue, optimizing operations and managing cash flow are all critical to the day-to-day of owning a small business. However, one of the most important conversations often gets pushed aside: your personal financial health and long-term equity.That was the focus of Lunch & Learn featuring leaders from Prudential Financial. The discussion centered on a simple, but powerful idea: strong businesses are built by financially healthy individuals.Follow GNEC on social media:Facebook: GNECInstagram: @GNECNJLinkedIn: GNECWebsite: www.gnec.orgAs a Community Development Financial Institution, we approach lending differently than traditional financial institutions. We do not just examine and make decisions based on credit scores but specialize in ways to help clients who may have difficulty accessing capital from traditional means. We assist entrepreneurs in growing economically stable businesses by helping them secure access to funds. Additionally, we provide the resources and know-how to close the racial funding gap to help make our clients bankable.

March 10, 2025Episode 217 min

Your Business, Your Network: How NRBP Helps You Grow

Watch today's episode on YouTube for a visual companion!Discover how the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) helps small businesses grow! Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq., IOM, CAE, President & CEO of NRBP, shares insights on the Small and Emerging Business Initiative (SEBI), networking opportunities, and membership benefits. Learn how NRBP can connect you with the right resources to succeed.Learn more at newarkrbp.orgAs a Community Development Financial Institution, we approach lending differently than traditional financial institutions. We do not just examine and make decisions based on credit scores but specialize in ways to help clients who may have difficulty accessing capital from traditional means. We assist entrepreneurs in growing economically stable businesses by helping them secure access to funds. Additionally, we provide the resources and know-how to close the racial funding gap to help make our clients bankable.Follow GNEC on social media:Facebook: Greater Newark Enterprise CorporationInstagram: @GNECNJLinkedIn: Greater Newark Enterprise CorporationWebsite: www.gnec.org

February 19, 2025Episode 2053 min

Macroeconomic Outlook for Small Businesses: 2025 and Beyond

Watch today's episode on YouTube for a visual companion!In this episode of Fund Ready, we dive deep into the current economic landscape and how it impacts small business owners. Host Victor Salama, joined by Vikram Rai, Senior Economist at TD Bank, breaks down the U.S. economic outlook, key macroeconomic trends, and policy changes that could affect entrepreneurs and business owners.From interest rates and inflation to tariffs and small business lending, this conversation highlights actionable insights that entrepreneurs can use to stay ahead in an evolving economic climate. If you’re a small business owner looking for guidance on navigating financial uncertainty, this episode is packed with expert advice.Follow GNEC on social media: Facebook: Greater Newark Enterprise Corporation Instagram: @GNECNJLinkedIn: Greater Newark Enterprise Corporation Website: www.gnec.orgAs a Community Development Financial Institution, we approach lending differently than traditional financial institutions. We do not just examine and make decisions based on credit scores but specialize in ways to help clients who may have difficulty accessing capital from traditional means. We assist entrepreneurs in growing economically stable businesses by helping them secure access to funds. Additionally, we provide the resources and know-how to close the racial funding gap to help make our clients bankable.

August 21, 2024Episode 1911 min

The Importance of Branding, Website & Digital Marketing

On today's podcast short, Luis Gouveia of Raise Newark Inc. shines a light on the importance of branding, your digital first impression, and how GNEC can help make your small business stand out. https://raisenewark.com/https://www.gnec.org/programs-and-events/backstop-program/For more details about GNEC ‘s Technical assistance that can support you through your business journey, please visit https://www.gnec.org/technical-assistance or contact Al Alvarez, GNEC’s Program Director, to inquire!As a Community Development Financial Institution, we approach lending differently than traditional financial institutions. We do not just examine and make decisions based on credit scores but specialize in ways to help clients who may have difficulty accessing capital from traditional means. We assist entrepreneurs in growing economically stable businesses by helping them secure access to funds. Additionally, we provide the resources and know-how to close the racial funding gap to help make our clients bankable.

August 8, 2024Episode 183 min

How To Raise Your FICO Score

On today's podcast short, Onel Villares, Business Development Director at GNEC, gives tips on how to raise your FICO score, and why it is so important.For more details about GNEC ‘s Technical assistance that can support you through your business journey, please visit https://www.gnec.org/technical-assistance or contact Al Alvarez, GNEC’s Program Director, to inquire!As a Community Development Financial Institution, we approach lending differently than traditional financial institutions. We do not just examine and make decisions based on credit scores but specialize in ways to help clients who may have difficulty accessing capital from traditional means. We assist entrepreneurs in growing economically stable businesses by helping them secure access to funds. Additionally, we provide the resources and know-how to close the racial funding gap to help make our clients bankable.

July 24, 2024Episode 177 min

Understanding Your Loan Purpose and Amount

On today's podcast short, Fabian Benalcazar, Senior Underwriter at GNEC, dives into all things loans; from purpose, to amount given, and providing some useful tips for applying. For more details about GNEC ‘s Technical assistance that can support you through your business journey, please visit https://www.gnec.org/technical-assistance or contact Al Alvarez, GNEC’s Program Director, to inquire!As a Community Development Financial Institution, we approach lending differently than traditional financial institutions. We do not just examine and make decisions based on credit scores but specialize in ways to help clients who may have difficulty accessing capital from traditional means. We assist entrepreneurs in growing economically stable businesses by helping them secure access to funds. Additionally, we provide the resources and know-how to close the racial funding gap to help make our clients bankable.

July 3, 2024Episode 169 min

Understanding Your Bank Statements

On today's podcast short, Fabian Benalcazar, Senior Underwriter at GNEC, breaks down your bank statements, and what you need to know when using them to apply for a loan.For more details about GNEC ‘s Technical assistance that can support you through your business journey, please visit https://www.gnec.org/technical-assistance or contact Al Alvarez, GNEC’s Program Director, to inquire!As a Community Development Financial Institution, we approach lending differently than traditional financial institutions. We do not just examine and make decisions based on credit scores but specialize in ways to help clients who may have difficulty accessing capital from traditional means. We assist entrepreneurs in growing economically stable businesses by helping them secure access to funds. Additionally, we provide the resources and know-how to close the racial funding gap to help make our clients bankable.

June 26, 2024Episode 158 min

Credit: What to Do and What Not To Do

On today's podcast short, Onel Villares, Business Development Director at GNEC, dives deep into credit: what you need to know, and what you need to avoid. For more details about GNEC ‘s Technical assistance that can support you through your business journey, please visit https://www.gnec.org/technical-assistance or contact Al Alvarez, GNEC’s Program Director, to inquire!As a Community Development Financial Institution, we approach lending differently than traditional financial institutions. We do not just examine and make decisions based on credit scores but specialize in ways to help clients who may have difficulty accessing capital from traditional means. We assist entrepreneurs in growing economically stable businesses by helping them secure access to funds. Additionally, we provide the resources and know-how to close the racial funding gap to help make our clients bankable.

June 4, 2024Episode 1411 min

Common Mistakes People Make When Applying for Loan

On today's first podcast short, Fabian Benalcazar, Senior Underwriter at GNEC, breaks down the most common mistakes when applying from a loan from the underwriters' perspective.For more details about GNEC ‘s Technical assistance that can support you through your business journey, please visit https://www.gnec.org/technical-assistance or contact Al Alvarez, GNEC’s Program Director, to inquire!As a Community Development Financial Institution, we approach lending differently than traditional financial institutions. We do not just examine and make decisions based on credit scores but specialize in ways to help clients who may have difficulty accessing capital from traditional means. We assist entrepreneurs in growing economically stable businesses by helping them secure access to funds. Additionally, we provide the resources and know-how to close the racial funding gap to help make our clients bankable.