Chase Bank Presents: Access to Capital
Power of Capital: Using Money Strategically to Build Your Business
Power of Capital equips entrepreneurs with the financial clarity needed to fuel growth responsibly and sustainably. This workshop helps participants move beyond viewing capital as “money to get” and instead understand it as a strategic tool—one that requires planning, discipline, and readiness.
Grounded in the Power of Capital workbook, this session walks participants through how cash actually moves through a business, how lenders evaluate risk and opportunity, and what financial information matters most when seeking credit or financing. Rather than encouraging borrowing by default, the workshop focuses on helping business owners decide if, when, and why capital makes sense—and how to prepare before making that move.
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
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
LaTrese Steplight
LaTrese Steplight is a Vice President and Senior Business Consultant with JPMorgan Chase, bringing over 29 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners. She leads Chase’s Coaching for Impact Program for Cleveland and surrounding areas, providing one-on-one coaching, access to financial and credit solutions, community resources, and year-round education.
With firsthand experience running a business, LaTrese offers a practical, grounded perspective on capital, cash flow, and financial decision-making. Her work is driven by a commitment to closing knowledge and wealth gaps and helping business owners build sustainable, investable enterprises. She also serves as the Women on the Move Field Site Lead for Ohio and is a graduate of the University of Akron and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Teresa Morales-Bargar
Teresa Morales-Bargar is a Vice President and Community Manager for Community & Business Development at JPMorgan Chase, where she supports entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community leaders in building stronger financial futures. With more than 18 years of experience across Retail, Consumer, and Business Banking, Teresa brings a holistic understanding of how financial systems intersect with real-world business growth.
Through workshops, nonprofit partnerships, and community programming, Teresa helps expand access to opportunity by equipping individuals and business owners with tools to make informed financial decisions. She is an active member of multiple Business Resource Groups, serves on the Women on the Move Council for Northeast Ohio, and has been recognized as one of Crain’s 2025 Women of Influence and 100+ Latinos to Know in Cleveland (2025).