ABOUT FUNDING REIMAGINED
Join the National Entrepreneurs Association of Michigan for an engaging Lunch & Learn featuring a panel of experienced funding professionals, bankers, angel investors and grant consultants, who will discuss the many financing options available to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Whether you're looking for traditional loans, alternative financing or other capital solutions, our panelists will share valuable insights to help you better understand today's funding landscape. You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions and build meaningful connections to benefit your business now and in the future so whether you're planning your next stage of growth or simply want to learn more about your funding options, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
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Learn how to become funding ready and improve your chances.
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Meet funding experts who can help identify the right funding options for you.
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Learn about new and creative funding opportunities beyond bank loans.
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Get your funding questions answered directly by experienced experts.
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Avoid common funding mistakes that can hurt your chances.
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Enjoy Networking with entrepreneurs and professionals over lunch.
NEA members free with RSVP. Non-members $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Includes lunch.
MEET THE PANELISTS
Joe Shephard
Vice President and Business Relationship Manager
Comerica Bank a division of Fifth Third Bank.
Joe Shephard is a Vice President and Business Relationship Manager with Comerica Bank a division of Fifth Third Bank. With more than 19 years of experience in the financial services industry, he has helped countless small business owners secure the capital and banking solutions needed to grow and succeed. Prior to his current role, Joe served as a Senior Bank Manager, where he led one of Michigan's largest deposit locations and drove growth of more than $30 million in deposits over a three-year period. Throughout his career, he has successfully managed three banking centers, developing high-performing teams and mentoring employees to achieve their professional goals.
John Sammut
Serial Entrepreneur, Former CEO, Investor and Adjunct Professor
of Entrepreneurship at Lawrence Technological University
John Sammut is a serial entrepreneur, former CEO, investor and Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at Lawrence Technological University. Over more than two decades, he founded and led two private-equity-backed electronics manufacturing companies through significant growth and successful exits. As CEO of EPIC Technologies, Sammut grew the business from approximately $3 million to $300 million in revenue through organic growth, acquisitions and international expansion. He later ran Firstronic, growing the company from approximately $7 million to $150 million in revenue and ultimately completing a successful strategic sale. The businesses achieved exit valuations of approximately 10x and 12x EBITDA.
Terri Hill
Grant Consultant, Founder and CEO of Executive Document Productions
Terri Hill is the founder and CEO of Executive Document Productions. She brings more than 15 years of grant-writing experience, including over five years leading her business. Throughout her career, she has helped nonprofit and for-profit organizations secure more than $17.5 million for community programs and initiatives. Terri specializes in developing competitive proposals, strengthening program ideas, and connecting organizations with resources to better serve their communities. Guided by the principle, “Standing with Those Impacting Community,” she works alongside people and organizations committed to creating positive change. She provides grant-writing mentorship, organizational coaching, and strategic support to community leaders, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations.
David G. Watkins
Vice President, Community Business Banking First Merchants Bank
David G. Watkins currently holds the title of Vice President, Community Business Banking First Merchants Bank – Michigan Market. Using FMB’s diverse commercial and retail lending product lines, David can offer a wide variety of lending options tailored precisely to fit the needs of the business community. The business banking team that David is a part of reports directly to the Corporate Social Responsibility department which strongly supports minority men and women business owners in low-to-moderate income communities throughout Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. David has the responsibility of assisting minorityowned businesses acquire access to capital to help scale their business needs.
David Darbyshire
Angel Investor, Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer
IncUversity, Cyb Lings Inc. and Revitalize IT Inc.
David Darbyshire co-founder and chief innovation officer for IncUversity, Cyb Lings Inc. and Revitalize IT Inc. where he leads engineering market development. He is well versed in angel investing. He is a graduated from LTU with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (1987). He is involved in business and educational organizations such as Automation Alley, FIRST Robotics, National Defense Industrial Association, and the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan. Darbyshire serves on various boards and committees which includes the Michigan Works Association and the American Society of Body Engineers asbe Foundation. While at DASI Solutions, he was instrumental in the launch of the innovative Industrial Design Technician Professional Apprenticeship program in partnership with Focus Hope: Detroit that received a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. He also is involved in the LTU Alumni Association and Phi Kappa Upsilon Fraternity.
Lawrence Technological University
21000 West 10 mile Road Southfield, MI 48075
Bldg #3 UTLC Gallery Tuesday Sept 22, 2026 at 12pm
The Lunch and Learn is sponsored by Lawrence Technological University located at 21000 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan 48075. The event will be in Building #3, UTLC Gallery. This spacious room provides the perfect setting for an engaging and informative panel discussion focused on funding strategies and opportunities. Lunch will be provided.
