For this edition of “Ask an Expert” we spoke with Noa Simons, Executive Director of Upstate Capital Association of New York, a non-profit that serves as a hub for connecting investors, lenders, professional advisors and companies seeking capital across upstate New York. In her role, Simons manages a robust membership network and convenes events on technology, trends and best practices for deal-making for a wide-ranging audience including investors, entrepreneurs, service providers and professional advisors.