Launch Loudoun Lunch and Learn: Finding Your Perfect Space and Securing Funding
Join us for an in-depth workshop designed to guide aspiring retailers through the crucial steps of finding the perfect retail space and securing the necessary funding to bring their business vision to life. “Retail Ready: Finding Your Perfect Space and Securing Funding” offers a comprehensive exploration of the real estate market, resources, and financial avenues tailored for retail entrepreneurs.
Participants will gain insights into market research to identify prime locations, and discover effective strategies for negotiating favorable terms. Additionally, the workshop will delve into how to work with banks to secure the funding needed, from application to cash ready.
This workshop is ideal for new and seasoned entrepreneurs looking to expand their business footprint, securing not just a location but also the capital needed for success.
Register here: https://share.hsforms.com/12sQZBseHQBeql2KOca45xwdwxz1
Meet Your Speakers
Brian Cullen, Keane Enterprises
Mr. Cullen is the founder of Keane Enterprises and has been involved in real estate businesses in the Washington, D.C. area for over 40 years, the majority in Leesburg and Loudoun County.
Mr. Cullen first developed land in Loudoun in 1984, leading the development of Beaumeade, where the main hub for the internet now resides. Currently, Mr. Cullen is in the process of redeveloping an 18 acre retail site in downtown Leesburg, VA. Virginia Village is a 140,000 sf center beyond it’s productive life (first construction was 1957), where the Town is encouraging higher density, mixed use development. Keane Enterprises also is developing the final phases of Oaklawn in Leesburg.
Prior to starting Virginia Village, Mr. Cullen led the development of Willowsford, a 2,300 unit residential community spanning over 4,000 acres in Loudoun County, VA starting in 2010. The project received national acclaim, and awards.
Mr. Cullen is a full member of Urban Land Institute and served as the Washington District Council Chairman for 2006/08. He was the Governance Committee Chairman in 09-10 and has been active on the Small Scale Development Council for over 35 years. He is a member Emeritus of the Loudoun County Economic Development Commission (EDC) and past chairman of the EDC Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Mr. Cullen served as Chairman of the Dulles Town Center Community Development Authority (CDA), the first such authority in Virginia to issue bonds for the purpose of furthering economic development. Mr. Cullen is a past president of the Loudoun County chapter of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, was a member of the original Route 28 Tax District Advisory Board and has served on numerous County appointed committees.
Prior to forming Keane, Mr. Cullen held executive positions at Carl. M. Freeman Associates and Lerner Enterprises.
Charlotte Bonini, EXP Realty
Charlotte Bonini brings a distinctive blend of commercial real estate expertise, architecture, historic preservation, and community-centered thinking to her work across Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.
Charlotte entered residential real estate in 2013. In 2016, after watching small business clients struggle to get calls returned on commercial referrals, she stepped in, said yes, and represented her first commercial client. She hasn’t looked back since.
Today, she represents small businesses across Loudoun County and Northern Virginia—advising on leasing, purchasing, and positioning for growth. Her clients include restaurants, medical and wellness providers, fitness studios, and boutique concepts where the right space is critical to success.
She holds a B.A. in Art History and a PhD in Architecture, with academic and professional work rooted in historic preservation, sustainability, design, and the built environment. Those experiences continue to shape her thoughtful approach to commercial real estate and her belief that the spaces we create influence how communities grow, connect, and thrive.
Known for her creative vision, strategic thinking, and relationship-driven approach, Charlotte brings both practicality and heart to every client relationship. For her, commercial real estate is never just about the transaction—it’s about helping small businesses find their place and grow within it.
Shay Essar, M&T Bank
Vice President in Commercial Lending within the Government Contracting Group at M&T Bank, Shay Essar brings over 20 years of experience in the banking industry. Throughout their career, they have focused extensively on small business and commercial lending, with deep expertise in portfolio management and client relationship development.
In addition to their lending experience, Shay Essar has held senior leadership roles in sales and service coaching, as well as serving as a Senior Vice President of Business Development. They have also contributed as an operational liaison, supporting cross-functional collaboration and process improvement initiatives throughout their career.
Shay Essar is known for delivering strategic financial solutions, fostering strong client relationships, and driving business growth across diverse markets.