Small Business Support Program
ALTERNATIVES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Workshops Schedule · Fall 2025 – Winter 2026
SEPTEMBER 24
Is Business Ownership a Good Fit For You?
This interactive workshop will help you take a closer look at your entrepreneurial journey. Through guided self-assessment and group discussion, you’ll explore:
• The traits of thriving business owners
• Your personal strengths and challenges
• Skills to develop for lasting success
• The realities and rewards of business ownership
Whether you’re considering your first venture or fine-tuning an existing business, you’ll leave with clarity, direction, and actionable insights.
For new and current entrepreneurs
Date: September 24, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: in person at Alternatives Federal Credit Union, Ithaca
OCTOBER 22
Making Canva Work For You
Learn how to use Canva to market your business effectively:
• Set up and customize your Brand Kit
• Use templates to create professional designs quickly
• Schedule social media posts directly in Canva
For start-up and established entrepreneurs and small business owners
Date: October 22, 2025
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: in person at Alternatives Federal Credit Union, Ithaca
NOVEMBER 19
Planning for a Healthy Business
In this workshop, you'll learn how to:
• Use a planning process to make key business decisions
• Develop ideas into actionable resource plans
• Use models for writing a business plan
• Understand the benefits of a written plan and SMART goals
• Create effective day-to-day action plans
For new or established entrepreneurs and small business owners
Date: November 19, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Online
DECEMBER 17
Organizational Types
Choosing the right legal structure is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business. Join us and explore the most common business entity options.
For start-up entrepreneurs and existing businesses considering expansion or restructuring
Date: December 17, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Online
JANUARY 15
Understanding the MWBE Certification Process
This workshop is designed to guide you through the eligibility requirements, application steps, and benefits of becoming a certified Minority- or Women-Owned Business Enterprise. Hosted by Alternatives FCU with the presentation by Gladys Brangman from BLOC (Business Leaders of Colors).
For entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to grow and access new markets
Date: January 15, 2026
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Who We Are
At Alternatives Federal Credit Union, our mission is to help build and protect wealth for people with diverse identities who have been historically marginalized by the financial industry.
We are proud to be certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), specializing in lending to individuals, organizations, and businesses in under-resourced communities, offering financial education, business coaching, and low-interest rate loans so everyone in the community can build wealth.
Federally Insured by NCUA · CDFI Certified