We’re breaking down every realistic way to fund your business in 2026. From what investors actually want, to what banks need from you, to local gap-funding you might not even know about—we’ve got it covered. You’ll leave knowing exactly how to prep for funding conversations and where you fit in the process.
Presenters (Panel):
Tom Eitreim, Enterprise Institute
Lucas Haskins, South Dakota First Capital
Tyler Wenbourne, Dacotah Bank
Tim Hanigan, Aberdeen Development Corporation
Tom Eitreim
*About Tom
Tom Eitreim serves as Executive Director of the Enterprise Institute. In his role, he works as an entrepreneur coach specializing in early-stage financing. He assists high-growth startup companies to create viable business plans and attract both angel and venture capital.
*About Lucas
Lucas Haskins, MBA is a Principal at South Dakota First Capital, a premier venture capital fund investing in early-stage high growth businesses in SD and across the Upper Midwest. In this role he leverages more than 4 years of experience building, launching, and evaluating hundreds of businesses across multiple disciplines such as Agriculture, Food Technology, Electronics, Aerospace, Medical Devices, Marketplaces, B2B and B2C software. He is passionate about building communities of collaboration which work to regularly shatter preconceived ideas for what's possible.
*About Tyler
Tyler is a Business Banker at Dacotah Bank, focused on helping businesses find the right financial solutions. He works closely with clients to support their professional and personal financial goals, serving as a trusted partner in their success.
*About Tim
Tim Hanigan is the CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation and the owner of Prairie Tool Company. In his role at ADC, he works with businesses at different stages, supporting growth and expansion across the Aberdeen area, including access to ADC’s revolving loan fund and gap financing programs.