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“Challenges Faced by Female Entrepreneurs”: “Women-owned businesses are growing at 2 times the national average. Yet on the flip side, women are, female entrepreneurs are denied 3 times more often than men for commercial loans.”— Ilaria Rawlins

We have an incredibly insightful episode featuring Ilaria Rawlins, the CEO of Fortuna Bank, a pioneering, women-owned bank in central Ohio.

With over 30 years in the banking industry, Ilaria brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the challenges women face in accessing capital and climbing the corporate ladder. In this episode, we explore Ilaria’s passion for female-focused services, the criticality of networking and mentorship, and how Fortuna Bank is breaking the mold by prioritizing relationship-building and personalized financial solutions.

We also talk more about the significant issues women entrepreneurs face, from harmful debt to understanding their financial potential, and unpack the pivotal role of diversity in decision-making boardrooms. Plus, you won’t want to miss Ilaria discussing her exciting upcoming partnership with Columbus and the unique economic opportunities on the horizon.

Inspiring Moments

05:54 Instrumental in product development, honing leadership skills. CEO offer from former client in 2021.
09:27 Skilled in relationships, interested in starting bank.
11:24 Excited about Columbus growth and female representation.
14:44 Women entrepreneurs face challenges in accessing funding.
17:40 Know your lending ability before taking on debt.
20:39 Women need support in male-dominated boardrooms.
26:01 Diverse perspectives and seizing growth opportunities.
27:52 Classes, seminars for women in financial management.
35:23 New bank excited about market conditions.
37:24 Potential opportunities in economic environment and mergers.

Inspiring Takeaways

The Power of Networking and Mentorship: Ilaria emphasizes the essential role of building strong networks and finding mentors who can guide you through the complexities of the business world. She highlights that women often thrive when supported by a community of like-minded individuals.

Personalized Banking Experiences: Unlike larger banks that are increasingly moving towards automation, Ilaria believes in the power of community banks to offer personalized services. Fortuna Bank is committed to relationship-building and providing tailored financial solutions that can make a significant difference for women entrepreneurs.

Understanding Financial Literacy: Betty Collins and Ilaria stress the importance of understanding your personal balance sheet and business plan before seeking capital. Proper financial planning can prevent harmful debt and improve your chances of securing loans.

Bridging the Gender Gap in Banking: Fortuna Bank is leading the charge in improving gender diversity in boardrooms and decision-making processes. With 8 out of 12 board members being women and a leadership team that is predominantly female, Fortuna Bank is setting a new standard for inclusivity in the financial sector.

Educational Initiatives: Fortuna Bank is not just a financial institution; it’s a learning center. They plan to offer classes and seminars on various financial topics tailored to the specific needs of women, aiming to educate and empower female entrepreneurs.

Empowering the Next Generation: In a move to nurture future leaders, Fortuna Bank is creating an advisory board to mentor up-and-coming entrepreneurs. This initiative is designed to help more women qualify for board positions and elevate their career trajectories.