As a continuation of our Groundwork panelist event, CLF, ABCC, the BIPOC Program and Pursuit are thrilled to present From Vision to Viable Business. A multi-part business education series designed to help entrepreneurs build strong business plans, clarify their marketing strategy, and develop the right team and systems for long-term successes. Session 1: Laying the Foundation focuses on the core elements of a strong business plan, Session 2: Marketing with Intention focuses on strategic, purpose-driven marketing and branding and Session 3: Organizing for Growth focuses on strategic team building and time management for sustainable business growth. 

This is a paid series: Attendees can sign up for all 3 sessions for $30, or select an individual session only for $10.

Each session will be held from 4-6 p.m. at Pursuit, 19 British American Boulevard East, Latham, NY 12110. Light Refreshments will be available. Session and/or Full Series fees are non-refundable. If for some reason you cannot attend, cancellation is not necessary.

Scroll below to see more details about each individual session of the series.

Session 1: Laying the Foundation
Date: March 5, 2026

Every successful business starts with a solid foundation. Laying the Foundation is a hands-on business planning session designed to help entrepreneurs move from idea to intention—and from intention to action.

In this session, participants will break down the essential components of a strong business plan, gaining clarity around their mission, vision, target market, and value proposition. We’ll focus on translating big ideas into a clear, structured plan that can guide decision-making, support funding opportunities, and set the stage for sustainable growth.

Whether you are in the idea phase or already operating without a formal plan, this session will help you strengthen the backbone of your business and ensure your vision is built on something viable, realistic, and scalable.

Participants will walk away with:

• A clearer understanding of the purpose and power of a business plan
• Key foundational elements needed for long-term sustainability
• Practical tools to begin (or refine) their own business plan
• Confidence in aligning their vision with real-world execution

This session is ideal for entrepreneurs who are ready to stop guessing and start building – with intention.

Session 2: Marketing With Intention
Date: April 2, 2026

Great ideas don’t sell themselves – clear, intentional marketing does. Marketing With Intention helps entrepreneurs move beyond random posting and inconsistent messaging and into strategic, purpose-driven marketing and branding.

This session focuses on building a brand that clearly communicates who you are, who you serve, and why your business matters. Participants will explore how to align their brand identity, messaging, and marketing channels with their business goals -so every touchpoint works with intention, not guesswork.

We’ll break down the fundamentals of branding, identify ideal customers, and discuss practical marketing strategies that are realistic, sustainable, and aligned with where your business is right now.

Participants will walk away with:

• A clearer understanding of management and leadership responsibilities
• Tools to define roles, workflows, and accountability
• Insight into when and how to build or expand a team
• Strategies for creating systems that support growth, not burnout

This session is ideal for entrepreneurs who are ready to lead with confidence, delegate with intention, and build a business that can grow without breaking.

Session 3: Organizing for Growth
Date: April 30, 2026

Growth without structure leads to burnout, confusion, and stalled momentum. Organizing for Growth is a management and team-building session designed to help entrepreneurs prepare their businesses for sustainable expansion.

This session focuses on the internal side of business growth—how to organize roles, responsibilities, and systems so the business can grow without relying on the owner to do everything. Participants will explore management fundamentals, team structure, workflow design, and how to build support systems that align with both current capacity and future goals.

We’ll discuss when to hire, what to outsource, and how to create clarity within a team—even if that team is currently just one person. The goal is to help entrepreneurs move from survival mode into intentional leadership.

Participants will walk away with:

• A clearer understanding of management and leadership responsibilities
• Tools to define roles, workflows, and accountability
• Insight into when and how to build or expand a team
• Strategies for creating systems that support growth, not burnout

This session is ideal for entrepreneurs who are ready to lead with confidence, delegate with intention, and build a business that can grow without breaking.

Meet your event hosts:

Keri Pratico is a Vice President and Senior Business Development Officer at Pursuit in Albany, NY, with over 18 years of experience supporting small businesses and advancing economic development. A graduate of Cornell University, she began her career as Director of Business Development for Schenectady County and later worked in community and conventional lending with the Community Loan Fund, NBT Bank, and KeyBank.

Her experience as a small business owner has deepened her understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face and fuels her commitment to helping them succeed. At Pursuit, Keri aligns her passion with the organization’s mission to provide affordable loans and resources that help businesses grow and thrive. She is a strong advocate for women, minorities, veterans, and low-income individuals. She also volunteers with Junior Achievement and has served as a STEM running coach for survivors of domestic violence. Outside of work, Keri enjoys running and spending time with her 14-year-old son, Daniel, cheering him on as a lacrosse goalie and watching him excel on the ski slopes.

Karen “Kema” Maxwell is the Director of the BIPOC Business Growth Initiative at the Capital Region Chamber in Albany. As the Director of the BIPOC Business Growth Initiative she leads efforts to support and scale Black, Indigenous, and People of Color–owned businesses across New York’s Capital Region. In her role, Kema provides hands-on mentorship, delivers strategic workshops, and connects entrepreneurs to funding, technical assistance, and growth opportunities. She works closely with regional partners to ensure BIPOC business owners have access to the tools, networks, and resources needed to build sustainable enterprises. As a business owner herself, Kema brings lived entrepreneurial experience to her leadership, combining strategy, storytelling, and systems to help diverse founders move from vision to viability.

Destiny Watkins is the Director of Training and Technical Assistance at the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region. She began her career at the Loan Fund as an intern from the College of Saint Rose in 2014 and upon the completion of her internship, Watkins was hired to serve as the Training and Technical Assistance Associate. After two years of designing and leading workshops and counseling entrepreneurs, Destiny was promoted to Community Development Lending Officer. During her time on the Lending Team, Watkins helped dozens of small businesses successfully get financing. She also coordinates the Emerging Investors Network, a peer to peer social impact investment program. In 2022, Watkins was hired to lead the Training and Technical Assistance Department. Destiny holds a position on the Capital Region Chamber’s BIPOC Advisory Committee and the Palette Community. Destiny also serves as a Trustee for the Carlilian Foundation.

Hailing from Albany, NY, Deshanna C. Wiggins takes pride in her roots as an alumna of the Albany City School District and Clark Atlanta University. Fueled by a deep-seated passion for service, Deshanna is dedicated to making a positive impact on lives and championing equity, diversity, and inclusion. Over the past decade, she has played a crucial role in reshaping lives and fostering equity and progression in the City of Atlanta. With more than 10 years of service under the leadership of Mayors Kasim Reed, Keisha Lance-Bottoms, and Andre Dickens, as well as Judge Terrinee L. Gundy, Deshanna served in various capacities in the office of Special Events, Film & Entertainment, and the Municipal Court of Atlanta. Her roles included City’s Special Events Coordinator, Interim Film and Entertainment Director, and Judge’s Chief of Staff. Following the successful establishment of two companies, namely The Warginson Group—an interior design company—and CommonWealth Solutions—a boutique consulting firm focused on promoting equity, social development, and human rights, Deshanna is thrilled to return to her hometown.

As the newly appointed CEO of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce & Social Club, she aims to empower minority business executives and owners, propelling Albany and the Capital Region towards continuous advancement. Deshanna also serves as a Board Member of the Albany Symphony Orchestra and holds positions on the Advance Albany County Alliance’s MWBE Economic & Inclusion Advisory Committee, as well as the Capital Region Chamber’s BIPOC Advisory Committee.

Sponsors and Partners: