January 2026 Small Business Financing Panel and Networking Event

On January 15, 2026, the Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in partnership with the US Small Business Administration (SBA), hosted a high-impact Small Business Financing Panel & Networking Event at One Pace Plaza in Lower Manhattan. The event brought together over 200 small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with financial institutions and community-based lenders.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Dean Ajay Khorana of the Lubin School of Business, who reaffirmed Pace University’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs through education, partnership, and real-world support. Additional opening remarks were delivered by NYC Councilman Christopher Marte, Jacinta Chen, Senior Advisor from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office, and Tracy Jackson, Chief of Staff for NYS Assemblymember Deborah Glick. Together, they highlighted the critical role of small businesses and the importance of sustained public and private support.

The session continued with the Pace SBDC honored with a citation from NYS Assemblymember Glick, recognizing the Center as the 2025 SBDC of Excellence & Innovation. This recognition highlighted the Pace SBDC’s continued impact and commitment to supporting small businesses through no-cost advisory services and education. Andrew Flamm, Director of the Pace SBDC, then delivered a presentation focused on small business financing best practices and key considerations. His remarks provided practical guidance on preparing for financing, understanding lender expectations, and positioning businesses for long-term growth.

Next, the session shifted toward two panel discussions moderated by Troy Diaz, Lead Lending Relations Specialist for the SBA’s Metro NY District Office. Panelists shared insights from both traditional financial institutions and community-based lenders, offering a broad perspective on available financing options.

In addition, an interactive breakout room allowed Pace SBDC clients to pitch their business models, milestones and how financing would help grow their business to a select number of lenders.

We encourage participants to reflect on the knowledge gained, reach out to the lenders they connected with, and take advantage of the Pace SBDC’s resources for ongoing guidance and support. Sessions are available in-person in Manhattan and Brooklyn, or virtually for your convenience in English or Spanish. Get started today and meet with a Pace SBDC Business Advisor here.

The Pace SBDC is funded by Federal and New York State grant awards and through support by Pace University, enabling our center to provide no-cost resources and support to small businesses across the region. Thanks go out to the US Small Business Administration for their partnership.

We also thank the 16 participating lenders for their valuable insights and support - your participation reflects the collective effort needed to uplift and grow our small business community. And in particular would like to thank gold sponsor TD Bank, and silver sponsors Flushing Bank, Lendistry, Grow America and M&T Bank.