A Look at the Barriers Women Face in Securing Capital, Making CRE Investments
Novices can start small and then leverage their success to build a sustainable investment journey.
OLYMPIC VALLEY, CA—The GlobeSt. Women of Influence conference gathered stakeholders Tuesday afternoon with a keen interest in the intersection of ESG and investing. Panelists emphasized that the current climate presents a prime opportunity to invest in women-led ventures. Despite this, they acknowledged the persisting challenges in securing capital for new projects and the male-dominated landscape of institutional investments.
During the panel discussion, efforts were made to dismantle the barriers women face in the investment realm. Attendees were encouraged to equip themselves with the necessary tools and knowledge to confidently secure capital and make investments in the future of commercial real estate. Beth Azor, President of Azor Advisory Services, highlighted the importance of taking initiative and showing interest in investing, regardless of starting with smaller multifamily properties if needed. She emphasized that courage and capital are crucial, with opportunities seemingly on the rise, but the real challenge lies in finding the right investment deal.
Heather Konopka, President and Owner of The HKC Group of Sperry, shared her own struggles with fear and stressed the need to overcome such apprehensions. Ada Arevalo, Founder and CEO of iimpact capital, emphasized the power of community and urged women to recognize the economic system behind their investments. She encouraged sustainable investing, considering the sources of returns and their impact on the community being served.
Leslie Biskner, Executive Vice President of Commercial Lending Group at Cooperative Business Services LLC, advised participants to communicate with lenders and prepare well before borrowing money. She shared her experience and encouraged women to start small, such as buying a duplex, and then leverage that success to build a sustainable investment journey.
Overall, panelists urged attendees to be courageous, educated, and collaborative in their approach to investing in the future of commercial real estate.
Check back with GlobeSt.com for more from the Women of Influence conference and check out the stories below for what you might have missed.
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