Join us in Pittsburgh for the

CEO Capital Activation Conference

September 15th & 16th, 2025 | Pittsburgh

Secure Your Spot

Founders First will host Certified Supplier CEOs for an exclusive, in-person event designed to unlock access to capital and strategic partnerships.

As part of our 10th anniversary, the CEO Capital Activation is visiting Pittsburgh, connecting high-growth service businesses with national funders, financial institutions, and business support organizations.

Check Business Eligibility

Sept 15th & 16th, 2025

Time:

12pm ET

Location: 
Pittsburgh

 

Request an Invite

Why Attend?

Access Capital Resources

Meet with lenders and capital providers ready to invest in MWBE-led service businesses.

Unlock Growth Opportunities

Learn how to scale to $10M+ in revenue through strategic insights and connections.

Network with Influential Stakeholders

Build relationships with corporate partners, funders, and fellow entrepreneurs.

Get Tailored Feedback

Participate in CEO Office Hours and receive one-on-one funding strategy support.

“This event is about more than capital — it’s about creating real connections. We’re bringing Certified Suppliers founders, investors, and partners together in Pittsburgh to spark growth and opportunity.”

 

— Kim Folsom, CEO & Founder, Founders First Capital Partners

 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Are a Certified Supplier
  • Operate B2B or B2G business models
  • Generate $1M–$10M in annual revenue
  • Are committed to scaling to $10M+ within 3–5 years
  • Are seeking debt financing for expansion (e.g., hiring, marketing, product development)
See Frequently Asked Questions

Join us in Pittsburgh for the CEO Capital Activation

Apply now to join the CEO Capital Activation and unlock funding and strategic connections.

Submit Your Interest

Meet The Organizers

BEAM Collaborative is proud to partner with Founders First at their upcoming CEO Capital Activation Conference, helping to bring together local partners and stakeholders to expand access to capital and build meaningful strategic alliances.


BEAM Collaborative is a nationally recognized non-profit that drives inclusive economic development by supporting anchor partner institutions, small businesses, and local economies through strategic succession planning, business acquisition support, and post-acquisition technical assistance.

Founded in 2015, Founders First Capital Partners (FFCP) is one of the nation’s largest mission-driven alternative growth capital providers delivering accessible growth capital and wrap-around advisory solutions to accelerate service-based businesses to the mid-market. FFCP is dedicated to advancing economic mobility of service-based small business owners, regardless of their background or geographic location. Our mission is to drive business growth, job creation, and empower wealth creation for underserved communities.

FAQ

The CEO Capital Activation Experience is a two-day, invite-only event connecting MWBE service-based businesses with funders and experts. It aims to help high-potential businesses with $1M+ in revenue scale to $10M-$20M by offering capital access, funding discussions, and strategic networking.

FFCP is hosting this event as a co-lead of the Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship, supporting the $10B State Small Business Credit Initiative. Event aligns with FFCP’s mission to empower MWBE business owners with resources, capital, and support to accelerate growth and create economic impact.

Attendees gain four key benefits: direct access to growth capital with tailored funder meetings, strategic networking for business expansion, expert guidance on scaling to $10M+, and exclusive one-on-one funding evaluations with decision-makers for high-potential businesses.

Yes, businesses selected for the event will pay a registration fee. VIP Session: $100; CEO Gathering: $25. The fees help cover the cost of event materials, networking experiences, and business development programming.

Businesses not selected for finalist spots will be: ✅ Placed into consideration for the quarterly SIF Grant Program ✅ Invited to future funding and networking events ✅ Eligible for additional growth and funding readiness programs

BEAM Collaborative

Founders First Capital Partners (Co-Host) Now Account Corp LISC

  1. Submit Interest Form – Provide your business details
  2. Invitation to Apply – If selected, you’ll receive an application to proceed to the next stage
  3. Quarter-Finalist Selection (Top 100 Businesses) – Applicant selected businesses advance to the next round
  4. Semi-Finalist Selection (Top 25-30 Businesses) – Applicants complete financial verification
  5. Finalist Selection (Top 10 Businesses) – Selected for in-depth funding discussions and CEO Office Hours