Lunch & Learn Webinar - Getting Funded When the Bank Says No

Description

Getting turned down by a bank is one of the most common experiences a Canadian business owner will face, and it rarely means your business isn't fundable. Usually, it just means it’s not the right fit for the type of lender you’re going after.

In this live session, we'll unpack why banks don't always approve loans for small businesses. Then we'll walk through the full landscape of funding options available when traditional financing isn't a fit, from revenue-based working capital to equipment financing, invoice financing, and government programs. 

You'll hear from a lending expert and an independent finance professional on what lenders actually look for, how to make your business more fundable, and how to match the right type of capital to the right need without overpaying.

Key takeaways:

• The real reasons banks decline SMBs, and why a "no" is often about fit and timing. The full range of funding options beyond the bank, and what each one lender is actually good for
• What lenders look for when they say yes, plus the quickest things you can fix to improve your odds
• How to match the right type of capital to the right need so you avoid expensive mismatches
• How to judge the true cost of capital: total cost, repayment fit, and the fine print, not just the headline rate
• The red flags worth walking away from, like pressure tactics, hidden fees, and terms that don't match your cash flow

WHEN: 
Thursday, July 30th
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

TICKETS: 
Free & exclusive to Richmond Chamber members though advanced registration is required. 

WHERE: 
Delivered virtually  

PRESENTERS: 

Neil Thompson — Vice President of Risk Management, Merchant Growth

Neil Thompson is Vice President of Risk Management at Merchant Growth, a Vancouver-based financing company focused on working capital for Canadian small businesses that traditional banks often pass on. With over two decades in commercial lending and credit, including senior roles at Meridian OneCap and Roynat Lease Finance, Neil has deep expertise in how lending decisions are actually made. He brings a practical, behind-the-scenes view of why banks decline healthy businesses and what funding options exist beyond them.

Ben Mui — Commercial Capital Advisor, Ashdown Capital

Ben is a Commercial Capital Advisor at Ashdown Capital, where he helps business owners across the Lower Mainland secure debt financing, working capital, and commercial mortgages. His work spans equipment and tenant improvement financing and debt structuring. A long-time member of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Ben is a familiar face at Chamber events and brings an independent, advisor's perspective on how to get funding-ready and evaluate the true cost of capital.

Anastasia Hambali — Director of Partnerships and Business Development, Merchant Growth

Anastasia Hambali is Director of Partnerships and Business Development at Merchant Growth, where she leads partner ecosystem expansion to help Canadian SMBs access the capital they need to grow. A Strategic Partnerships and GTM leader with over 15 years of experience, she also serves as a Venture Partner at Side Door VC. Named a Top Female in Tech by FoundersBeta (2025) and an Emerging Leader by The Peak Magazine (2023), Anastasia is one of Canada's most respected voices in startup/SMB growth and partnership strategy.