In this special episode, Laura sits down with Veronica Diaz, Associate Vice President, Business Banking National Office at CIBC, and Ana Rebro, CPA and Managing Partner at Farnham Accountants & Advisors to unpack the confusion so many women feel around business finances — from getting funding and understanding financial statements to separating personal and business finances and building a business with long-term value.This conversation is honest, empowering, and full of practical insight for entrepreneurs at every stage of business. In this episode you will hear:01:17 – Meet Veronica Diaz and Ana Rebro06:55 – What banks look for when entrepreneurs are ready to grow08:05 – Why women entrepreneurs need more honest conversations about money09:15 – Why getting financing for your business can feel so confusing10:59 – Why the bank needs more than a great business idea13:10 – The importance of knowing your financial numbers14:01 – The 3 Cs of Credit: character, capacity, and collateral18:29 – Why financing is a team sport20:25 – Where to start when looking for business funding22:23 – Why entrepreneurs need to seek out information before walking into the bank23:43 – Financial statements explained as the story of your business26:33 – Why business owners shouldn’t wait until year-end to understand their numbers27:43 – What banks want to see in your financials30:17 – Using personal money, credit cards, or family loans to fund your business32:21 – How to untangle mixed personal and business expenses34:31 – Why understanding business valuation matters before you’re ready to sell37:10 – The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when building long-term value38:35 – When business valuation matters to a bank39:44 – What small business owners need to know but rarely hear44:14 – Why honesty matters when talking to the bank46:53 – How to connect with Veronica and the CIBC Business Client Advice Centre47:56 – How to connect with Ana and Farnham & Company Veronica's Links:Contact the CIBC Business Client Advice Centre: 1-866-992-7223CIBC Women Entrepreneurs Hub: https://www.cibc.com/en/business/programs/women-entrepreneurs.htmlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-diaz-cfa-37039414/ Ana's Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arebroWebsite: https://farnhamco.ca/Join This Mother Means Business : www.thismothermeansbusiness.com Laura's Links:• Website • Laura's Instagram • LJSocial Instagram • LinkedIn • Facebook • Pinterest • TikTok

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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