“For too long, in access to funding has been hindered by outdated systems and inequitable structures. The Urgency of Now aims to unite the right people, strategies, and technology to create a future which grants and federal contracts serve as avenues for growth and impact,” said Luvina Beckley, Grants Fund Manager at SGI.
INLAND EMPIRE, CA — The Urgency of Now, a 2-Day Intensive Tour, is coming to the Inland Empire. The sessions will help businesses and nonprofits secure the funding they need to succeed. The Inland Empire leg of the tour is a two-day summit scheduled for April 28–29, 2026, at National CORE, 9692 Haven Ave, Suite 100, Rancho Cucamonga. Register online at NRDCIE.org.
This event will address urgent challenges facing small businesses and nonprofits, including access to capital, federal contracting, and grant funding. It will convene senior leaders, policymakers, corporate partners, and community organizations to develop actionable solutions to boost economic mobility and regional competitiveness.
The sessions are sponsored by Source Global Imagined (SGI) in collaboration with the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council, M.H.M. & Associates Enterprises, and leading public, private, and philanthropic organizations.
Among the sessions is a presentation by Beverly Kuykendall, who has secured billions of dollars in federal contracts. Dr. Angela Taylor, State Senator (and Small Business Owner) from Reno, NV, Dr. Joshua Beckley (Pastor of Ecclesia Christian Fellowship), Brian Kennedy (Director of AMPAC– CDFI affording access to Business Capital), George Lamb of I.E.CEEM, and Kome Ajise, Executive Director of Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
The initiative arrives at a critical juncture as small businesses face growing barriers to funding, reduced access to federal contracts, and systemic changes that threaten their long-term economic stability.
“For too long, access to funding has been hindered by outdated systems and inequitable structures. The ‘Urgency of Now’ team’s goal is to unite the right people, strategies, and technology to create a future in which grants and federal contracts serve as avenues for growth and sustainable impact,” said Luvina Beckley, Grants Fund Manager at SGI.
Day 2 of the event focuses on rebuilding access to capital and exploring new pathways for small businesses and nonprofits.
This day features interactive listening forums focused on developing solutions for digital equity, greater access to opportunity, federal contracts, and grants—driven by participants’ leadership.
“It’s important for small businesses and nonprofits to attend so they can see a way forward beyond the current blocks in accessing funding now,” said Mayor Deborah Robertson (former Mayor of the City of Rialto).
Verizon and SGI will host listening sessions for stakeholders to share challenges and collaborate on strategies to improve access to funding opportunities.
“Attendees will also learn how to connect with programs that support federal contracts and grants, including information on a current $500 million grant opportunity. Participants are encouraged to provide feedback on how these resources can be allocated more effectively to benefit small businesses and nonprofits,” said Beckley.
The ‘Urgency of Now: Building Capital Access for Businesses and Nonprofits’ sessions will be held in five cities across the United States: Miami in June, Baltimore in July, Chicago in August, Reno in September, and Tulsa and Los Angeles in October of 2026.
For more information, email exec@sourceglobalimagined.com.
