Groundwork is a collaborative initiative uniting the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce, the BIPOC Business Growth Initiative at the Capital Region Chamber, the Community Loan Fund, and Pursuit. Together, these partners are committed to empowering BIPOC entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, tailored business support, and a network of resources designed to help enterprises grow from the inside out—building stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a more inclusive economy.

Featured Panel Discussion:

To ensure participants gain practical, expert insight on key areas of business development and sustainability, Groundwork will feature a dynamic panel of professionals, including:

Commercial Banker – offering guidance on financial readiness, credit, and business lending.
HR Professional – sharing strategies for workforce management, talent development, and compliance.
Accountant / CPA / Tax Strategist – providing expertise on financial planning, recordkeeping, and tax efficiency.
Business Lawyer – addressing legal foundations, contracts, and risk management for entrepreneurs.

Designated networking time will be allotted during this event and curated Q&A.

Light Refreshments will be available.

Meet our Panelists

Keri Pratico, Assistant Vice President- Senior Business Development Officer at Pursuit – offering guidance on financial readiness, credit, and business lending             Keri Pratico is an AVP and Senior Business Development Officer at Pursuit in Albany, NY, with over 17 years of experience supporting small businesses and advancing economic development. A Cornell University graduate, 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 own experience as a small business owner has deepened her understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face, fueling 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 and volunteers with Junior Achievement and as a STEM running coach for survivors of domestic violence. Outside of work, Keri enjoys family adventures with her 12-year-old son, Daniel, cheering him on at lacrosse games or paddleboarding together with their two cats, Stanley and Michelle, never far behind.

Elias Cox, M.S-Director of Talent Acquisition & Management at Excelsior University – sharing strategies for workforce management, talent development, and compliance
Elias Cox is an accomplished human resources executive with deep expertise in talent acquisition, workforce strategy, and organizational leadership. As the Director of Talent Acquisition and Management at Excelsior University, Elias leads enterprise-wide initiatives to attract, develop, and retain top talent, aligning recruitment strategies with long-term business goals. Previously, Elias held key HR roles at the City School District of Albany and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) where he consistently improved hiring outcomes with over a decade of experience across education, public, and private sectors, he has consistently driven measurable improvements in hiring outcomes, diversity recruitment, and leadership development.

Elias holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, Performance & Technology and a Bachelor’s in Employment Relations from SUNY Potsdam. He is an active member of several national HR and higher education associations. Known for his strategic mindset and collaborative leadership, Elias brings a data-informed, people-centered approach to building high-performing teams.

Anthony Coppola, Owner of Coppola Consulting & Accounting, LLC– providing expertise on financial planning, recordkeeping, and tax efficiency
Anthony Coppola is the Director of Operations and Sales at Onsite Vision Plans, Inc. and the owner of Coppola Consulting & Accounting, LLC. With more than 18 years in the accounting profession, he has developed a reputation for leadership, integrity, and a hands-on approach to helping businesses grow. Before his current roles, Anthony served as Manager of the Outsourced Accounting Department at Wojeski & Company CPAs, where he led a team supporting small and mid-sized businesses with efficient financial management and compliance solutions.

Drawing on his deep experience in accounting and operations, Anthony now advises entrepreneurs on bookkeeping, financial strategy, and tax compliance—helping them navigate challenges and achieve sustainable growth. His blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial insight has made him a trusted partner for clients seeking to strengthen their financial foundations and scale their success.

  Lisa Taber, J.D.-Partner at Sciocchetti Taber, PLLC– addressing legal foundations, contracts, and risk management for entrepreneurs

Lisa is a partner and managing member of her firm’s Finance Practice Group, specializing in commercial real estate, development, and complex financing transactions. Over the past three years, she has closed more than $500 million in loan value, representing many of the Capital Region’s leading developers and lenders. Her expertise extends to mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, syndication, investment procurement, and navigating economic development processes.

Recognized as an Albany Business Review Power 50 Honoree (2023), 40 Under 40 Honoree (2022), and multi-year Super Lawyers Rising Star (2016–2024), Lisa remains deeply engaged in the professional community through memberships in several bar associations and women’s leadership organizations, including WPO, FEW, and the Capital Region Chamber’s Women’s Business Council. Beyond her legal practice, she is a dedicated advocate for the American Cancer Society, serving on its Board of Advisors and chairing the Gala of Hope since 2020.

Sponsors and Partners: