Power of Capital: Using Money Strategically to Build Your Business
About the Event
Power of Capital is the third workshop in the CreateHER Fest × JPMorgan Chase Coaching for Impact series, equipping entrepreneurs with the financial clarity needed to fuel growth responsibly and sustainably.
During #75HER, participants are building projects, validating ideas, and exploring pathways to sustainability. Many reach a point where growth requires investment—but capital decisions made without preparation can create more pressure than possibility. This workshop focuses on what comes next: how to approach capital strategically, understand what lenders look for, and decide if, when, and why borrowing makes sense for your specific business.
Rather than encouraging borrowing by default or focusing on 'how to get funding fast,' this session provides a clear, practical framework for understanding how cash actually moves through a business, what makes a business investable, and how to prepare before making major financial decisions. You'll learn how to evaluate your financial position, identify what data matters most, and build readiness for capital conversations—whether that's next month or next year.
Grounded in real-world business scenarios and supported by the Power of Capital workbook, this workshop helps builders move from 'I need money' to 'I know whether capital is right for me, and I'm prepared.' It's designed for anyone who wants to understand financing without being overwhelmed by financial jargon.
This session is especially valuable for participants currently in the Idea-thon or preparing for the Hackathon, as well as anyone considering growth, expansion, or financial partnerships.
What You'll Walk Away With
A clearer understanding of cash flow and how to manage inflows and outflows strategically to stay in control of your business. A framework for evaluating whether your business needs to borrow and what lenders look for before extending credit. Insight into what makes a business a good investment, including leadership readiness, revenue stability, and risk management. Familiarity with the financial data that matters most, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and key performance metrics. A breakdown of credit options available to small businesses, including business credit cards, lines of credit, and term loans. Foundational awareness of SBA loan programs and how they fit into broader growth strategies. A mindset shift toward long-term ownership and empire building, rooted in preparedness rather than pressure.
Who This Is For
Women entrepreneurs and founders preparing for growth, expansion, or financing conversations. Small business owners seeking clarity around cash flow, credit, and capital readiness. Builders transitioning from bootstrapping to structured financial planning. Entrepreneurs who want to understand lending without being overwhelmed by financial jargon. Professionals aligning financial decisions with long-term business vision.
Not for:
Participants seeking immediate loan approvals or guaranteed access to capital. Advanced investors looking for venture capital, private equity, or IPO guidance. Anyone expecting to walk away with funding in hand rather than a preparedness roadmap.
What You Need to Participate
The Power of Capital workbook (will be provided). An existing business, side venture, or revenue-generating concept. Willingness to examine your current financial position honestly. No prior finance, accounting, or lending experience required.
About the Facilitators
April Scales
Vice President & Senior Business Consultant, JPMorgan Chase
April Scales is a Vice President and Senior Business Consultant at JPMorgan Chase, where she serves as an Executive 1:1 Business Coach supporting entrepreneurs through JPMorgan Chase's Coaching for Impact program. With deep expertise in business banking and financial strategy, she works directly with business owners to strengthen their financial foundations, navigate capital decisions, and build sustainable growth pathways.
April's hands-on coaching approach is rooted in a genuine commitment to expanding financial access and equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to move forward with confidence—whether they're exploring an idea or preparing for their next stage of growth.
Teresa Morales-Bargar
Vice President & Community Manager, Community & Business Development, JPMorgan Chase
Teresa Morales-Bargar serves as a trusted local ambassador for JPMorgan Chase in Cleveland, with over 18 years of experience across Retail, Consumer, and Business Banking. She specializes in building partnerships with nonprofits, small businesses, and community leaders to drive lasting economic impact.
Her work includes financial health workshops, nonprofit collaborations, and community programming focused on expanding access to opportunity. Teresa serves on multiple advisory councils and has been recognized as one of Crain's 2025 Women of Influence and 100+ Latinos to Know in Cleveland (2025).
Part of a Larger Series
This workshop is part of a CreateHER Fest × JPMorgan Chase series continuing through Women's History Month and the March 2026 BuildHER Parade, covering:
Marketing and digital visibility. Business foundations and readiness. Identifying and leveraging windows of opportunity. Each session is designed to meet builders where they are—whether you're exploring an idea, preparing for a hackathon, or laying the groundwork for a sustainable business.