Relationships Before Capital: The Hidden Key to Entrepreneurial Growth

In this keynote, Shannan Herbert challenges the romanticized narrative of bootstrapping and explores why so many entrepreneurs continue to operate in survival mode long after their businesses are ready to grow. Drawing on stories from real business owners, her experience leading a community development financial institution, and emerging insights around financial trauma, she examines how fear, pride, past experiences, and distrust of financial institutions often shape business decisions as much as revenue and cash flow. Attendees will learn a practical framework for building the relationships, confidence, and support systems necessary to scale a business without sacrificing personal well-being. This session is for entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders, lenders, and anyone interested in creating pathways to growth that are rooted in trust, partnership, and long-term sustainability.