June 2025 Small Business Financing Panel and Networking Event

On June 9, 2025, the Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in partnership with the US Small Business Administration, (SBA) New York District Office, hosted a high-impact Small Business Financing Panel & Networking Event at One Pace Plaza in Lower Manhattan. The event brought together over 150 small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with a wide range of banks and community-based lenders.

The event kicked off with opening remarks from Andrew Flamm, Regional Director of the Pace SBDC, who highlighted the Center’s no-cost advisory services and shared funding insights for small businesses. Andrew then introduced Dean Lawrence Singleton of the Lubin School of Business, who emphasized Pace University's commitment to small business empowerment through education, partnership, and community engagement; and Matt Coleman, SBA’s Regional Administrator, who highlighted the agency’s support for small businesses. The Pace SBDC was also pleased to welcome Pace University President Marvin Krislov as well as Congressman Dan Goldman, who each provided engaging remarks regarding the importance of supporting small businesses to NYC's communities and the role SBDCs can play in helping them succeed.

The session then shifted to panel discussions moderated by Troy Diaz of the SBA’s Metro NY District Office. The first panel focused on insights from financial institutions, while the second highlighted community-based lenders, providing a comprehensive overview of financing options and criteria. The event concluded with a vibrant networking session, where entrepreneurs connected directly with lender representatives to build relationships and take the next steps in securing funding.

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 SBA Metro NY District Office for their partnership, to Valley Bank (Gold level sponsor) and to Flushing Bank, Grow America, Lendistry & TD Bank (Silver sponsors) for their event sponsorship

We also thank the 15 participating lenders for their valuable insights and support - your participation reflects the collective effort needed to uplift and grow our small business community:

• Valley Bank, Flushing Bank, TD Bank, Lendistry, Grow America, Accompany Capital, Brooklyn Coop, M&T Bank, Pursuit, Ascendus, Spring Bank, City National Bank, Chase Bank, Renaissance, and Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund.

To stay informed about upcoming events, workshops, and resources, subscribe to our newsletter or contact the Pace SBDC directly.