For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Bruce Piekarski

Market President - Berrien Co MI/NC IN

bpiekarski@horizonbank.com 

269-982-1080

Berrien County Small Business Access to Capital Event Announced

Business Owners Invited to Join Horizon Bank & SBA Experts June 24th

For Immediate Release: June 11, 2025

 

Berrien County, Michigan – Business owners and entrepreneurs alike are invited to join Horizon Bank, a panel of industry experts, and local community organizations for an insightful morning dedicated to navigating the world of business financing. 

 

Access to Capital and Small Business Support will take place on Monday, June 24th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Benton Harbor, this free event will break down the key differences, benefits, and eligibility requirements for a wide range of financing options for business owners. Attendees will learn strategies to secure funding for real estate, equipment, working capital, and business expansion. 

 

“This event is a must-attend for any business looking to grow or get started,” said Bruce Piekarski, Horizon Bank’s Market President for Berrien County & Northern Indiana. “Whether you’re exploring new equipment purchases, planning a major expansion, or simply looking to understand what’s available to you, this event will provide practical, real-world insights from those who know the landscape best.”

 

The event kicks off with networking, coffee, and danishes at 7:30 a.m., followed by presentations and a panel discussion starting at 8:30 a.m. Speakers will explore increased loan limits and lines of credit, leveraging SBA tools, and state and federal programs to support both existing and startup businesses.

 

Featured speakers include:

  • Bruce Piekarski, Horizon Bank – Emcee
  • Brian Picarazzi, U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Romy Ancog, SBA Office of Manufacturing & Trade
  • Shannon Dwyer, Great Lakes Commercial Finance
  • Bonnie Gabriel, Michigan Small Business Development Center
  • Sarah Snoeyink, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

 

Space is limited, event is free, but RSVPs are required by June 16th to secure your spot.

 

📍 Location: Hilton Garden Inn, 1300 Cinema Way, Benton Harbor, MI

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025

⏰ Time: 7:30 a.m. Networking | 8:30 a.m. Program Begins

💵 Cost: Free to attend

 

To RSVP, visit Bit.ly/SMBusSupport.

About Horizon Bancorp

Horizon Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ GS: HBNC) is the nearly 8 billion–asset bank holding company for Horizon Bank, which serves customers across attractive Midwestern markets through convenient digital tools, as well as its Indiana and Michigan branches. Horizon's retail offerings include prime residential, indirect auto, and other secured consumer lending, as well as a range of personal banking and wealth management solutions. Horizon also provides a comprehensive array of in–market business banking and treasury management services, as well as equipment financing solutions for customers regionally and nationally, with commercial lending representing over half of total loans. More information on Horizon, headquartered in Northwest Indiana's Michigan City, is available at horizonbank.com and investor.horizonbank.com.

 

About the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber: The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is a non-profit business advocacy and collective-impact organization serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. Established in 1954, the Chamber works to strengthen regional assets, advocate for regional priorities, and cultivate an economic ecosystem that prepares the region for future opportunities.

Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber

811 Ship St., Ste. 303, St. Joseph MI 49085 269-932-4042 | info@smrchamber.com | www.smrchamber.com

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