Tech CU's Shobna Streng to Speak on Expanding Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

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Access to capital can open the door to entrepreneurship, job creation, and greater financial independence, yet entrepreneurs with disabilities often face higher barriers when seeking the financing and support needed to start or grow a business.

This October, our very own Shobna Streng, VP of Commercial Credit Administration at Tech CU, will join leaders from across the community development finance industry to explore how lenders can help address those barriers at the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) Conference in New Orleans.

Shobna brings more than 20 years of experience across credit unions, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), banks, social finance funds, and fintechs. Throughout her career, she has helped structure financing for affordable housing, nonprofit working capital, New Markets Tax Credit projects, small businesses, and cooperatives. She also serves on the Board of the National Disability Finance Coalition, a CDFI working to develop innovative financial products for business owners with disabilities.

More on Shobna's panel below.

Rethinking Risk: Policies, Practices, and Underwriting for Disability-Inclusive Lending

Many Community Development Lenders recognize the need to serve borrowers with disabilities but struggle with a practical question: What really changes when disability is incorporated into lending policies and underwriting?

Building on foundational disability finance concepts, this session examines the operational side of inclusive lending. Experienced practitioners will discuss underwriting, product design, borrower support, and partnership models that help borrowers succeed while maintaining portfolio quality.

Through examples and candid discussion, participants will challenge assumptions about risk and explore strategies that can be replicated across institutions of different sizes. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for incorporating disability-inclusive lending practices within their own orgs.

Panelists:

• Holly Denniston-Chase, Executive Director, National Disability Finance Coalition
• Alexandria Knipp, Senior Analyst, Finance – Capital Formation, Baker Tilly
• Shobna Streng, VP Commercial Credit Administration, Technology Credit Union
• Emerson Sekins, Chief Executive Officer, Northwest Access Fund

About the conference

Taking place October 20-23, the OFN Conference is the nation's largest gathering for CDFIs. It brings together lenders, investors, policymakers, and community development leaders to learn from one another and explore new ways to expand access to responsible, affordable financial services.

Interested in learning more or attending the conference? Visit ofn.org/ofn-conference for additional details.