Plexus Connects: Are You Bankable?

Description

A workshop designed to help small business owners understand what lenders and funders look for and why being “bankable” is critical to sustainable growth and scaling. This session explores the role of funding in business expansion, from managing cash flow and investing in capacity to pursuing new opportunities. Participants will learn how financial readiness, documentation, creditworthiness, and business structure influence access to capital, as well as common barriers that prevent small businesses from securing funding. The workshop equips attendees with a clearer understanding of their current financial position and practical insights to strengthen their bankability, enabling them to make more informed decisions as they plan for long-term growth.

Our Panel:
Norlynn R. Story, Assistant Vice President | Business Access Advisor, US Bank
Norlynn Story is a seasoned banking professional with over 20 years of experience and currently serves as a Business Access Advisor, supporting entrepreneurs across Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. In her role, she helps small business owners navigate financial systems, access capital, and build strong, sustainable banking relationships. Norlynn regularly leads financial literacy workshops and collaborates with community and economic development partners to connect entrepreneurs to resources that support long‑term growth. She is deeply committed to advancing economic opportunity, particularly in under‑resourced communities, through practical financial guidance and trusted, relationship‑driven engagement.
 

Anthony L Winfield, Officer | Small Business Specialist, US Bank
I am a Small Business Relationship Banker with more four years of banking experience and thirteen years of military service. My career has been built on a foundation of leadership, discipline, and commitment to serving others. I pride myself in developing strong client relationships, understanding business needs, and delivering financial solutions that help customers and communities thrive.

Roshonda Benton Smith, Senior Vice-President, Black Business Engagement Director,  Huntington National Bank
Roshonda is a boomerang native of Cleveland, Ohio and Senior Vice-President, Black Business Engagement Director at Huntington National Bank. She is a proud alumna of Bowling Green State University. Roshonda started her banking career over 30 years ago at National City Bank and continued her journey throughout the financial services industry in retail, commercial underwriting, business banking, insurance, securities, and community development.

Roshonda has volunteered her time and resources to Northeast Ohio organizations such as Junior Achievement, True 2 U, Dress for Success Cleveland, Home Repair Resource Center, Harvard Community Services Center, The City Mission, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, and Bessie’s Angels.

Roshonda has been honored by organizations that recognize her distinctive service and leadership including being inducted into the 40 under 40 Club, featured in the 2010 Women’s Issue of Kaleidoscope Magazine, Who’s Who in Black Cleveland, Crain’s Cleveland Business Notable Black Leaders and a 2025 Smart Women Award Honoree. She was recognized as a Place.Maker by the Cleveland Foundation and named a Woman of Professional Excellence by the YWCA Greater Cleveland. She is a member of the NAACP, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America Inc. and The Links, Incorporated.

Roshonda serves as an advisory member of the Greater Cleveland Digital Equity Coalition, CHN Housing Capital, Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition, Workforce Funders Group, and the Greater Cleveland CRA Roundtable. She is an enthusiastic board member for The Karamu House and Youth Opportunities Unlimited. Roshonda is an appointed board member to the Cuyahoga County Convention Facilities Development Corporation (Huntington Convention Center). She is an alumna of the YWCA Leadership Boot Camp, Cleveland Leadership Center’s Civic Leadership Institute, and Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2021. Roshonda is alumna of the Marshall Memorial Fellowship through the German Marshall Fund.

Roshonda is also an entrepreneur who resides in Cleveland with her husband and adult children.

Plexus Connects is a monthly, member-powered learning series designed to spark ideas, share expertise, and strengthen community. Hosted over the lunch hour, each session features a mix of engaging presentations, interactive workshops, and panel discussions led by Plexus members and community leaders across industries and fields.

Created with our members and for our members, Plexus Connects dives into timely, relevant topics that support professional growth, business success, and inclusive leadership. Come ready to learn, ask questions, exchange ideas, and connect with people who get it. Bring your lunch. Leave with new insights, fresh connections, and practical takeaways.