A Preview of What's Waiting for YOU at the 2026 Southern Arizona Development Finance Summit
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Three Sessions Every Entrepreneur Should Experience at the 2026 Southern Arizona Development Finance Summit
Whether you're launching your first business, expanding into a new market, developing community projects, or simply looking for the right funding opportunity, one thing is certain, access to knowledge is just as valuable as access to capital.
That is exactly what the 2026 Southern Arizona Development Finance Summit was designed to deliver.
Over two days, business leaders, developers, lenders, investors, nonprofit executives, and public sector partners will come together to share practical strategies, build meaningful relationships, and explore innovative ways to strengthen Southern Arizona's economy.
With dozens of engaging sessions to choose from, every attendee will leave with new ideas and new connections. Here is a preview of three sessions that small business owners will not want to miss.
Money Is Moving: What Capital Providers Are Actually Funding Right Now
If you have wondered whether now is the right time to seek financing, expand your business, or pursue your next opportunity, this session will help answer those questions.
Today's capital landscape is changing quickly. Interest rates continue to shift, investor priorities are evolving, and new public and private funding opportunities are emerging across industries.
Hear directly from banks, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), foundations, investors, and public finance leaders as they discuss where capital is flowing and where it is not.
Instead of guessing what lenders and investors want, you will hear firsthand what they are looking for today and how businesses can better position themselves for future funding opportunities.
Whether you need financing now or are planning for future growth, understanding today's capital market can help you make smarter business decisions tomorrow.
Emerging Developer Bootcamp: From First Deal to First Closing
Every successful project starts with someone willing to take the first step.
Whether your vision includes commercial space, mixed-use development, neighborhood revitalization, or housing projects, navigating your first development opportunity can feel overwhelming.
This bootcamp is designed specifically for emerging developers who are ready to move from ideas to execution.
Participants will learn how to evaluate opportunities, build the right team, identify financing options, manage risk, and successfully navigate the journey from concept to closing.
Even if development is not part of your current business model, understanding how projects come together can open new partnership opportunities and provide valuable insight into community growth and economic development.
Nonprofit Bootcamp: Mission, Money, and Real Estate
Many nonprofit organizations eventually reach a point where their mission outgrows their space.
Whether expanding into a larger facility, developing affordable housing, opening a health clinic, or creating a new community hub, real estate has become an increasingly important strategy for organizations seeking long-term impact.
This session explores how mission-driven organizations can successfully plan, finance, and deliver projects that strengthen both their operations and the communities they serve.
Attendees will gain insight into aligning mission with capital planning, understanding financing options, and making strategic real estate decisions that create lasting community value.
For nonprofit leaders, board members, and organizations considering future growth, this session offers practical guidance for turning vision into reality.
And That's Just the Beginning
These three sessions represent only a small sample of what awaits at the 2026 Southern Arizona Development Finance Summit.
From entrepreneurship and small business growth to housing, community development, impact investing, nonprofit leadership, and innovative financing, the Summit is designed to connect people with the ideas, resources, and relationships that move projects forward.
Whether you are growing a business, launching your next venture, leading a nonprofit organization, or exploring new opportunities to invest in your community, you'll find conversations that inspire action and practical tools you can apply immediately.
Because sometimes the next breakthrough isn't just about finding funding.
It's about finding the right people, the right knowledge, and the confidence to take the next step.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Southern Arizona Development Finance Summit.
About Groundswell Capital
Groundswell Capital is a mission-driven lending nonprofit dedicated to sustainable economic growth, focusing on clean energy, small business financing, and community development. By aligning financial returns with environmental and social responsibility, Groundswell Capital is helping to shape a resilient and equitable future for Arizona.
For media inquiries, contact:
Dre Thompson
President,
Groundswell Capital
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