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Raising capital in 2026 is more competitive than ever, but there are also more ways for entrepreneurs to fund their businesses — if they understand how to validate demand, prove traction, and choose the right funding strategy.

On September 15th at 2:00 PM ET, join Andrew Albert, Programs Director at The Idea Village, for a free live virtual event on .

Andrew is a seasoned leader in entrepreneurship and investment strategy, with deep experience helping founders refine their business models, understand investor expectations, and secure the right kind of funding at the right time.

You’ll learn:

• How to validate demand before raising capital
• Which early-state business metrics really matter most to investors
• Creative funding options beyond traditional venture capital
• How to use flexible, scenario-based business modeling to support sustainable, long-term growth
• Practical steps founders can take in the next 6–12 months to become significantly more fundable

This virtual event is designed for entrepreneurs who want clear guidance on how to raise capital, understand which funding options make sense for their business, and how to build a compelling fundraising strategy in 2026 and beyond.

Reserve your spot now to learn how to fund your business with confidence.

About the Speaker:

is a seasoned leader in entrepreneurship and investment strategy, serving as Programs Director at The Idea Village, where he leads programs to accelerate the growth of technology ventures and entrepreneurial leaders. With a proven track record in strategic planning, Andrew has a unique talent for fostering startup growth and enhancing community engagement. As the former Vice President of Venture Growth for Venture for America (VFA), he guided a portfolio of emerging businesses, mentoring founders and building partnerships that strengthened the national startup ecosystem. His efforts cultivated a thriving network, generating lasting connections between founders and the community. As an executive analyst at Lucid, a market research platform providing access to first-party data, Andrew once took part in IDEApitch, helping to lead Lucid to a successful exit and solidifying the organization’s status as New Orleans’ first unicorn.