Lisa C.

Business Advisor | Startup & Small Business Funding Support

I work with founders and small business owners who need strategic guidance on their business model and funding approach, not just a business plan or pitch deck.. As an SBDC Business Advisor, and co-founder of an entrepreneurial co-working space – Impact Hub Oakland (where I raised $1.2M and mentored hundreds of startups), – I bring real-world entrepreneurial experience plus proven advisory methodology. Clients come to me for: – Strategic clarity on their business model and go-to-market approach – Investor-ready business plans and pitch decks that tell a compelling story – Financial projections that reflect realistic assumptions and growth trajectories – SBA loan application support with deep understanding of lender requirements – Guidance from someone who's successfully raised capital and been in their shoes What Sets Me Apart: I help you think through hard strategic questions. What's your business model and value proposition? What's your competitive advantage? How will you acquire customers profitably? What drives your projections? With 15+ years as strategy consultant, 10+ years in Fortune 500 R&D, and ongoing SBDC work with 250+ clients, I understand what investors and lenders actually look for. My SBDC work with 250+ clients keeps me grounded in what small business owners actually face when seeking capital. I've seen hundreds of business models across industries and can quickly help you identify the best path forward for your funding journey. I particularly excel at: – Translating complexity into compelling business narratives – Building financial models with assumptions that pass investor and lender scrutiny – Understanding how SBA lenders evaluate proposals – Helping founders clearly articulate why their business will succeed