 | Fourteen Years of Empowering Entrepreneurs and Strengthening Our Region This week, we proudly celebrate Sabrina Easterwood, CGBP, CBA®, on her 14-year Chamber-versary with the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce. As a Financial Counselor with the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC), Sabrina has spent more than a decade walking alongside entrepreneurs — helping businesses-owners access capital, secure certification, pursue contracts, and build sustainable futures. Her journey at the Chamber is one defined by growth, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people behind the businesses. |
A Career Shaped by Opportunity
Sabrina’s Chamber story began with a recommendation.
“I worked with the wife of a past Director who thought I’d be perfect for an introductory role here. The rest is history.”
Over the past 14 years, that “introductory role” evolved into a dynamic and impactful career. Sabrina has held several positions during her tenure — from Administrative Assistant to Export Director, to Program Manager, and now Financial Counselor.
Sabrina’s Chamber story began with a recommendation.
“I worked with the wife of a past Director who thought I’d be perfect for an introductory role here. The rest is history.”
Over the past 14 years, that “introductory role” evolved into a dynamic and impactful career. Sabrina has held several positions during her tenure — from Administrative Assistant to Export Director, to Program Manager, and now Financial Counselor.
“In all these roles, I had a unique opportunity to see and experience all different sides and worlds of business,” she says. “This has given me a very well-rounded background and the ability to connect with business owners at all stages.”
That breadth of experience allows her to meet entrepreneurs exactly where they are — whether just starting out or scaling for growth.
Clearing the Path to Capital and Opportunity
At MBAC, Sabrina works directly with women- and minority-owned businesses to help them access the resources they need to move forward.
Clearing the Path to Capital and Opportunity
At MBAC, Sabrina works directly with women- and minority-owned businesses to help them access the resources they need to move forward.
“I help businesses find a path to funding, and if there is something in the way of that path, we work with you to remove it and keep pressing forward.”
Sometimes that path is short and straightforward. Sometimes it’s long and filled with obstacles. But as Sabrina emphasizes, the commitment to move forward remains constant.
“A commitment to keep moving forward is just that — a commitment.”
Through capital access, certification assistance, contract readiness, and financial guidance, she helps ensure businesses are positioned for opportunity.
Watching Resilience in Action
Over 14 years, Sabrina has witnessed countless success stories — but one stands out.
She recalls a client who began selling products “door to door.” Over time, through perseverance and consistent engagement with MBAC advisors, that entrepreneur moved into a small storefront and eventually opened a large brick-and-mortar location in a prime community location.
“I saw the tenacity in their eyes,” she says. “Whenever there was a hurdle to overcome, they did just that.”
She reflects on a quote that has stayed with her throughout her career:
“A commitment to keep moving forward is just that — a commitment.”
Through capital access, certification assistance, contract readiness, and financial guidance, she helps ensure businesses are positioned for opportunity.
Watching Resilience in Action
Over 14 years, Sabrina has witnessed countless success stories — but one stands out.
She recalls a client who began selling products “door to door.” Over time, through perseverance and consistent engagement with MBAC advisors, that entrepreneur moved into a small storefront and eventually opened a large brick-and-mortar location in a prime community location.
“I saw the tenacity in their eyes,” she says. “Whenever there was a hurdle to overcome, they did just that.”
She reflects on a quote that has stayed with her throughout her career:
“Entrepreneurship is not for the weak.”
And she has seen that truth firsthand.
A Changing Business Landscape
Sabrina has also witnessed major shifts in how businesses operate.
A Changing Business Landscape
Sabrina has also witnessed major shifts in how businesses operate.
“There was a time when clients would come in with a shoebox of receipts for financial projections,” she recalls.
While that still happens occasionally, most clients now utilize financial management systems that automate processes and free up valuable time — allowing them to focus on contracts, growth, and long-term strategy.
Technology has changed. Systems have improved. But the need for guidance, encouragement, and partnership remains constant.
The Power of Compassion and Connection
When asked about the most important lesson she’s learned, Sabrina doesn’t mention systems or strategy. She talks about people.
Technology has changed. Systems have improved. But the need for guidance, encouragement, and partnership remains constant.
The Power of Compassion and Connection
When asked about the most important lesson she’s learned, Sabrina doesn’t mention systems or strategy. She talks about people.
“I’ve learned to really value my ability to communicate with all walks of life and maintain compassion.”
She has seen business owners at their lowest — ready to close their doors. She has celebrated major loan approvals that transformed companies. She has even supported individuals who were incarcerated but planning for a future business once released.
“The important thing that connects all those situations are the people behind it.”
That commitment to compassion is at the heart of her work.
A Front-Row Seat to Regional Impact
What makes working at the Chamber unique?
“We have a front row seat to things happening in our region that affect businesses — good and bad.”
That perspective allows Sabrina and the MBAC team to proactively support clients with knowledge of policy changes, economic shifts, and new opportunities. With direct connections to bankers, lenders, and regional resources, she serves as both guide and connector.
“The important thing that connects all those situations are the people behind it.”
That commitment to compassion is at the heart of her work.
A Front-Row Seat to Regional Impact
What makes working at the Chamber unique?
“We have a front row seat to things happening in our region that affect businesses — good and bad.”
That perspective allows Sabrina and the MBAC team to proactively support clients with knowledge of policy changes, economic shifts, and new opportunities. With direct connections to bankers, lenders, and regional resources, she serves as both guide and connector.
Lightning Round
Favorite local spot: Lake Erie — “I’m a water girl!”
Favorite local sweet treat: Mr. G’s Barn — vanilla sundae with banana, peanut butter sauce, and rainbow sprinkles
One word to describe the Chamber: Pillar
Weekend plans usually include: Time on the lake, estate sales, and spending time with family, fur babies, and her amazing husband
Favorite local spot: Lake Erie — “I’m a water girl!”
Favorite local sweet treat: Mr. G’s Barn — vanilla sundae with banana, peanut butter sauce, and rainbow sprinkles
One word to describe the Chamber: Pillar
Weekend plans usually include: Time on the lake, estate sales, and spending time with family, fur babies, and her amazing husband
Final Thoughts
“I’m proud,” Sabrina says simply. “I get a unique opportunity to hear about changes coming from Columbus that will impact our business community. I have a direct line of communication to area bankers, lenders, and business resources to serve our community. If I don’t know the answer, I can connect you with someone who does. That makes me proud to serve this region and to continuing to show up and support my community. ”
For 14 years, Sabrina Easterwood has embodied what it means to connect, empower, and advocate for Toledo’s entrepreneurs. Her work strengthens not only individual businesses but the fabric of the entire region.
Please join us in congratulating Sabrina on her Chamber-versary — and thanking her for continuing to show up, support, and serve our community with compassion and commitment.
Please join us in congratulating Sabrina on her Chamber-versary — and thanking her for continuing to show up, support, and serve our community with compassion and commitment.
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