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Join us for our inaugural GROW series of 2024 to learn the 'Fundamentals of Business Finance' in a comprehensive 3-Part Series. In this workshop series, you will increase your financial acumen to drive strategic business decisions.Presented in partnership with Ascent CFO Solutions._____________________________________________________________Session 2: Budgeting, Forecasts and Long Range Plans March 14, 2024 11:00am-1:00pm | TARRA Office Garnet Conference RoomAdvance your skills in strategic financial planning through understanding the following:-Crafting  Budgeting strategies-Developing Financial Models-Conducting  Scenario Analysis-Balancing Actuals and Forecasts-Learning Variance Analysis techniques-Leveraging Metrics and Scorecards for performance evaluation____________________________________________________________Session 3: Funding Options April 18, 2024  11:00am-1:00pm | TARRA Office Garnet Conference RoomExplore diverse funding avenues and their implications on your business:-Understanding Equity: Common and Preferred Stock-Delving into Ownership and its nuances-Understanding the implications of Dilution-Assessing Debt and Banking options effectively-Unpacking SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)-Navigating the world of Equity Funding-Calculating the Cost of Capital for informed financial decisionsAbout Ascent CFOAscent CFO Solutions is a Fractional CFO firm for growing companies.We provide the strategic financial expertise of a CFO backed by a full-stack financial team without adding to your company’s headcount.All companies need the strategic financial guidance of a CFO, but not all companies need to incur the expense of employing a CFO full-time. By turning to fractional finance and accounting services from Ascent CFO Solutions, companies can engage with a proven and experienced CFOs and supporting financial professionals (controllers, accounting managers, financial analysts, and senior accountants) on a part-time or interim basis, as much or as little as their needs require.  Founded in 2011 by Dan DeGolier, Ascent CFO Solutions is a top Fractional CFO firm based in Colorado serving companies worldwide.Instructor Bio'sLizette Peña, CPA - Fractional VP of FinanceLizette is a seasoned professional experienced in both public and private companies in a variety of industries, including construction, real estate, renewable energy, health-care, professional services, high-tech and communications, distribution services, travel and entertainment and non-profit organizations. She also volunteers at local non-profit organizations by serving on the Board of Directors, finance committees and providing treasury functions. After serving clients for almost twenty-five years in public accounting, Liz branched out and followed her passion of working in renewable energy and sustainability to establish and lead the accounting and finance department for a Colorado based solar company. At Ascent CFO, she enjoys combining her accounting and auditing background with hands-on business experience. Lizette holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Central Florida and is a licensed CPA in both Colorado and Florida.Michael Leonardi, CPA, Fractional CFOMichael is a Fractional CFO as well as a Bitcoin and cryptoasset solutions strategist with 25 years of accounting, finance, and operations experience. He has strong expertise in helping growth-oriented companies solve complex challenges utilizing a combination of technology and leadership. Michael is also knowledgeable in the unique challenges of both early-stage technology startups as well as mature organizations pursuing M&A. Michael has extended experience with fast-paced and dynamic environments as well as mentoring and leading geographically dispersed teams. Either across the United States or internationally, he has led teams to perform their best under challenging circumstances. From mentoring to operational support, his mission has been to leverage his knowledge to help the team reach their highest potential. Michael earned a B.S. in Accounting from George Mason University and began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mark Kearney, MS Finance, Fractional CFOMark Kearney is an executive with over 20 years of experience in financial management and operations.  He has spent a majority of his career with organizations ranging in size from over a billion in revenue to high growth, early-stage startups.  In his professional tenure, he has numerous years working with companies focused on software development and SaaS based solutions. Mark enjoys a collaborative leadership team environment, metrics-based actions, and driving return on investments.  For him, financial statement accuracy and insightful analysis are keys to critical decision making.  He is also passionate about presenting to boards and investors, illuminating the true performance and growth opportunities of the business.  Mark holds a BA from North Carolina State University in Business Management with a concentration in Finance as well as an MS in Finance from Colorado State University Global.  Outside of his professional career, one of his most proud accomplishments was joining the steering committee and inaugural board of directors as Treasurer of Prospect Ridge Academy.  PRA was a K-12 charter school project which originally started from just an idea and grew to see its first high school graduating class in 2018, all while building over $1 million in capital reserves.