Hosted by 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union
Co-Hosted by Cynthia Galinac, Branch Manager
Sponsored by 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union
1st Bergen Federal Credit Union and Branch Manager Cynthia Galinac invite local business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, freelancers, and community members to attend an in-depth workshop focused on navigating the loan application process and securing financing.
Whether you are seeking capital to launch or expand a business, consolidating existing debt, purchasing commercial equipment, or applying for a personal loan, this interactive four-hour session will provide practical guidance to help you prepare strong loan applications and build borrowing confidence.
Workshop Topics Participants will learn about:
Understanding the core differences between commercial, small business, and personal loans
Deciphering lender evaluation criteria (The 5 Cs of Credit: Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions)
Gathering and organizing essential financial documentation (tax returns, balance sheets, profit & loss statements)
Preparing effective business plans, cash flow projections, and debt service coverage calculations
Understanding credit scores, personal guarantees, and loan collateral requirements
Comparing credit union borrowing advantages, loan terms, and interest rate structures
Navigating government-backed lending programs and SBA loan options
Identifying common reasons for loan denials and strategies to improve approval odds
Managing debt responsibility and maintaining healthy credit post-approval
Free financial coaching and lending resources available to local applicants
Hands-On Loan Application & Documentation Assistance Following the instructional presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to receive one-on-one assistance from representatives of 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union, Cynthia Galinac, and experienced lending specialists.
Staff will be available to answer questions, review personal and business financial documentation, provide feedback on loan readiness, and assist participants in understanding the step-by-step application process for various loan products.
Free Resources Each attendee will receive complimentary financial preparation materials, including:
1st Bergen Federal Credit Union Business & Personal Loan Application Guide
Comprehensive loan documentation checklist and document organization folder
Sample business plan outlines and financial projection templates
Personal credit building and debt-to-income calculation worksheets
Resource directory for local financial literacy programs and business support services
Printed materials will be available in:
English
Spanish
Mandarin Chinese
Portuguese
Russian
Accessibility & Language Services 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union is committed to making this event accessible to all members of the community.
The event will include:
Professional interpreters available upon request
Assistive listening devices throughout the workshop
ADA-accessible facilities
Multilingual staff and lending specialists available to provide assistance
If you require language interpretation or other accommodations, please notify the organizers during registration so arrangements can be made in advance.
Who Should Attend? This workshop is ideal for:
Small business owners seeking growth or working capital
First-time loan applicants and prospective entrepreneurs
Individuals seeking personal loans or credit union membership
Freelancers, gig workers, and independent contractors
Real estate investors and property developers
Community members looking to improve their credit readiness and financial literacy
Cost This workshop is free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged, as seating is limited.
UNPKD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to entrepreneurship education, economic opportunity, and community development through partnerships with public agencies, educational institutions, and local organizations.