Access to capital can be the difference between maintaining the status quo and accelerating growth. On Thursday, October 23, Catalyst Connection is hosting Funding the Future: Financing Options for Manufacturers Now—a practical, in‑person forum designed to help small and mid‑sized manufacturers understand today’s financing landscape, compare options, and walk away with actionable next steps. The event runs 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business (PNC Room), 4765 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, and there’s no cost to attend.
This special session brings together two of our strongest peer communities—the Finance Leaders Network and the Manufacturing Growth Collaborative—for a concentrated half‑day focused on funding strategies you can use now. Expect candid insights, clear explanations, and plenty of peer discussion about what is working on the ground in Southwestern Pennsylvania manufacturing.
What you’ll learn
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Private equity—what to know before you engage. Tom Springer (Schneider Downs Capital) will demystify the current PE landscape for manufacturers, including deal structures, what investors expect, and how to position your company to attract the right partner. If you’re evaluating growth by acquisition or considering outside capital, this segment will help you ask smarter questions.
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Tax strategy implications of “The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB).” Janelle Merlo (Schneider Downs Tax) will break down how this sweeping legislation could affect capital investment, incentives, and long‑term planning for manufacturers. You’ll leave with a clearer view of immediate opportunities and watch‑outs with your 2025–2026 planning.
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SBA working capital—fueling day‑to‑day and expansion needs. Ed Schick (U.S. Small Business Administration) will outline SBA loan programs that can stabilize cash flow, support equipment purchases and facility upgrades, and bridge timing gaps—critical tools for manufacturers navigating growth or volatility.
Who should attend
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CEOs, CFOs, controllers, and owners seeking clear funding paths
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Finance and operations leaders tasked with budgeting, capital planning, or M&A diligence
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Decision‑makers exploring investment, tax advantages, or working‑capital solutions
This is a collaborative peer session, so bring your questions and be ready to compare notes with fellow leaders from across the region. Space is limited.
Why now
Manufacturers face rising capital costs, shifting incentives, and rapid technology change—all while customers demand faster lead times, higher quality, and competitive pricing. Whether you’re exploring robotics, facility improvements, workforce development, or expansion, aligning the right capital with the right project is essential. This event concentrates the expertise you need into a single morning, helping you identify the best path—PE, tax‑advantaged strategies, or SBA financing—for your goals.
Make your plan—and your connections
You’ll gain practical frameworks to evaluate options, real‑world examples from finance practitioners, and introductions to peers tackling the same challenges. Join us, leave with a checklist, and start moving from “we should” to “we funded it.”
Date: Thursday, October 23, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: CMU – Tepper School of Business, PNC Room, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: No cost to attend
Save your seat now → Register here.