---
title: Beyond Traditional Financing – Join Us at The Cookout | Event
description: Join Aprio's Black Business Forum on August 6, 2026, for insights on alternative financing and growth strategies in a culturally engaging atmosphere.
---

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# REGISTER FOR THE EVENT!

# Beyond Traditional Financing – Join Us at The Cookout

###### AUGUST 20, 2026 | 6:30 PM ET

Hosted by:

![Black Business Forum Logo](https://info.aprio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Black%20Business%20Forum%20Logo%20-%20Color%20Cropped.png?width=250&height=65&name=Black%20Business%20Forum%20Logo%20-%20Color%20Cropped.png "Black Business Forum Logo")

Sponsored by:

![Blaylock Van Logo](https://info.aprio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BlaylockVanLogo.png?width=250&height=63&name=BlaylockVanLogo.png "Blaylock Van Logo")

Join Aprio's Black Business Forum for a forward-looking evening designed for high-impact business leaders, founders, operators, and capital markets professionals. This curated event will explore alternative pathways to growth and financing, with a focus on SPAC-related strategies, private capital, and capital access beyond traditional lending.

The experience will blend practical business dialogue with an authentic, culture-forward cookout atmosphere—creating space for meaningful conversation, strategic relationship-building, and connection. 

### Event Details

Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026  
Time: 6:30 - 9:30 PM ET  
Location: 17th Floor Social Hub, Aprio, 2002 Summit Boulevard, Suite 120, Atlanta, GA

## Moderator:

![Headshot of Kelli Lyde](https://info.aprio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kelli%20Lyde%20-%20Preferred%20Headshot.jpeg?width=160&height=160&name=Kelli%20Lyde%20-%20Preferred%20Headshot.jpeg "Headshot of Kelli Lyde")

Kelli Lyde   
Director, Assurance Services  
APRIO ADVISORY GROUP, LLC  
APRIO, LLP

## Featured Panelists:

![Headshot of Jeff Duncan](https://info.aprio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jeff%20Duncan%20headshot%20(1)-1.png?width=160&height=160&name=Jeff%20Duncan%20headshot%20(1)-1.png "Headshot of Jeff Duncan")

Jeff Duncan  
Partner, Technical Accounting Consulting Services  
APRIO ADVISORY GROUP, LLC  
APRIO, LLP

![Headshot of Nyagaka Ongeri](https://info.aprio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Nyagaka%20Ongeri%20-%20Blaylock.jpeg?width=160&height=160&name=Nyagaka%20Ongeri%20-%20Blaylock.jpeg "Headshot of Nyagaka Ongeri")

Nyagaka Ongeri  
President  
BLAYLOCK VAN, LLC

![Headshot of Gerry Williams](https://info.aprio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Gerry%20Williams%20-%20DLA%20Piper.png?width=160&height=167&name=Gerry%20Williams%20-%20DLA%20Piper.png "Headshot of Gerry Williams")

Gerry Williams  
Co-US Managing Partner  
Vice Chair, Private Equity Group, Southeast  
DLA PIPER

![Headshot of Sam Johnson](https://info.aprio.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sam%20Johnson%20-%20EQEP.jpeg?width=160&height=160&name=Sam%20Johnson%20-%20EQEP.jpeg "Headshot of Sam Johnson")

Sam Johnson  
Co-Founder & Managing Partner  
EQ EQUITY PARTNERS (EQEP)

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“Aprio" is the brand name under which Aprio, LLP, and Aprio Advisory Group, LLC (and its subsidiaries), provide professional services. LLP and Advisory (and its subsidiaries) practice as an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services, and Advisory and its subsidiaries provide tax and business consulting services. Advisory and its subsidiaries are not licensed CPA firms.

Investment advisory services are offered through Aprio Wealth Management, LLC, an independent Securities and Exchange Commission Registered Investment Advisor. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed here.

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