In this course, you will learn:

• Why Banks Value Relationships with Businesses
• Key Factors Banks Use to Qualify Businesses for Financing
• Types of Business Loans
• The SBA’s Role in Business Financing
• Best Practices for Building a Strong Financial Foundation (e.g., financial statements).
• Understanding EBITDA & DSCR
• What is Treasury Management in Banking

About the Presenter

Carla Harry | First United Bank, Vice President, Commercial Lender

Meet Carla Harry, her role at First United Bank, as a Vice President, Commercial Lender, serves as a testament to her determination and commitment. Driven by a deep connection to the entrepreneurs in her community, Carla provides financial solutions that empower Oklahoma businesses to thrive. With over 17 years of banking industry experience, she specializes in offering tailored financing and financial guidance to her clients.

Carla grew up in South Oklahoma City. Her journey is an achievement against the odds, as she is the second in her family to graduate high school across multiple generations (her older sister being the first) and the first to attend college. Her educational path led her through Oklahoma City Community College, where she completed her Associate of Science, Diversified Studies Degree. She also graduated from the Latino Leadership Oklahoma City program offered through the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Carla is an active advocate for personal and community growth. In addition to her full-time career, she serves on multiple boards in Oklahoma City, including the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma City Public School Foundation and the SW 29th Business District Association, Inc. Recognized as a Top Hispanic Leader in Oklahoma City by the Hispanic Institute in 2024, Carla’s leadership extends to her role as chair of the 2024 Latino Agency Luncheon committee and co-chair of the 2024 T-Up campaign for the OKCPS Foundation, in which raises funds to support students and teachers in Oklahoma City Public Schools.

Carla is also passionate about mentoring and empowering youth, particularly young women. She has served as a judge for the Miss Fiestas de Las Americas Leadership Development pageant in Oklahoma City and served as a mentor for the Oklahoma City Latino Young Professionals program. She has also been a stage manager for the 2024 Miss Mexico Oklahoma pageant, guiding contestants on stage presence, interview techniques, and performance routines. Carla was also an emcee for the first multi-cultural festival in Oklahoma, put together by Mayor Roger Godwin in Warr Acres.

Carla leads with passion and purpose. She is also committed to providing financial literacy both in English and Spanish, in her community. She continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of others. Carla is grounded in love, coming from a large and supportive family. She resides in South Oklahoma City with her husband, Paul Harry, and their beloved chubby cat named Fearless. Carla takes great pride in making Oklahoma City a better place for all!