Gulf Coast entrepreneurs looking to launch or expand their businesses will have a chance to connect directly with funding sources when MoneyFEST returns May 7.

Now in its fourth year, the free, full-day event hosted by Innovation Portal is designed to help business owners navigate one of the most persistent challenges in entrepreneurship: securing capital. Organizers say the event aims to eliminate barriers by bringing together lenders, investors and grant experts in a single, accessible setting.

“Access to capital remains one of the biggest obstacles for entrepreneurs in our region,” Todd Greer, executive director of Innovation Portal, said in a news release. “MoneyFEST creates a space where business owners can not only learn about funding options, but actually connect with the people and organizations who can help turn their business ideas into reality.”

The event will cover a wide range of funding pathways, including traditional bank loans, angel investment, grants, pitch competitions and bootstrapping strategies. Organizers emphasize a practical, jargon-free approach that allows participants to ask questions and receive clear answers in a supportive environment.

A lineup of speakers with firsthand experience raising and distributing capital will headline the program. Among them is Gia Wiggins, a Mobile entrepreneur and Innovation Portal board member who recently secured a $2 million seed round backed by Halogen Ventures, Innovate Alabama and Techstars. She is scheduled to share insights into the realities of raising capital as a Gulf Coast founder.

She will be joined by JD Jernigan, a multi-time founder who leads gBETA Gulf Coast, a partnership between Innovation Portal and national accelerator gener8tor, and Mary Wallace Hannon of Regions Foundation. Since 2018, the foundation has awarded more than 400 grants totaling over $36 million to organizations across the region. Additional speakers are expected to be announced ahead of the event.

MoneyFEST 2026 will feature sessions organized into three tracks focused on lending, investment, and social impact and nonprofit funding. The program also includes breakout sessions covering topics such as business credit, financial preparation, pitch strategy and grant writing, along with real-world funding stories from entrepreneurs.

Attendees will have opportunities to participate in “Capital Conversations,” structured one-on-one meetings with lenders and investors, as well as networking sessions with funding professionals and fellow business owners. The day will conclude with a happy hour designed to encourage continued relationship building.

The event is made possible through support from presenting sponsors Merchants & Marine Bank and Voyager Lending, allowing organizers to offer free access to the community.

More information and registration details are available at https://innovationport.al/moneyfest.