Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyBank is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with a 190-year history and assets totaling more than $170 billion. KeyBank provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states through a network of more than 1,000 branches – including 28 branches throughout the greater Columbus area. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.
As a banker, I am passionate about helping local businesses manage their finances and cash management operations. Women-owned businesses are the fastest growing segment of our economy, and with Columbus being the largest NAWBO chapter in the nation, I wanted to connect with the women business owners who are driving our local community. I am thrilled to have recently joined NAWBO Columbus and become a member of the membership committee.
KeyBank provides businesses of all sizes with customized banking, financing and cash management solutions to manage and grow their businesses.
Of particular value to NAWBO members is KeyBank’s Key4Women® program. Since 2005 we’ve provided networking opportunities, thought leadership, customized financial services, and capital to help women achieve their personal and business financial goals. Key4Women members receive:
While each business is different, all can benefit from having a good working relationship with a trusted banker to help them navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and plan for the future. One of the big lessons many businesses learned through the recent SBA-backed Paycheck Protection Program process was the value of having a trusted banker “in their corner” who knew their business and could guide them through the lending process. Like an accountant and legal advisor, a trusted banker should be a part of every business owner’s advisory team.
As a Key4Women certified advisor and member of Key4Women Columbus Chapter, I’ve learned that women business owners have unique challenges from their male counterparts. For one thing, despite tremendous advances, unconscious gender bias continues to exist and can still impact women’s access to financing. Secondly, women tend to pursue investments less aggressively than men, and tend to be more conservative in their business valuation. Thirdly, women often have less quality networks and connections to capital sources compared to men, further limiting their access to capital.
Working with a banker or financial advisor specifically trained to understand the needs of women-owned businesses cannot be overstated. Further, strengthening and building their networks — through organizations like NAWBO and Key4Women — can help connect women with other members who have resources or expertise that can help advance their business plans.
My advice? Give me a call and join Key4Women!
Manager, KeyBank Polaris branch in Westerville, OH
614-818-4937