Overview
Brought to you by Orion First, the Small Business Lending Forum gathers an elite group of innovators, thought leaders, and veterans of the small business lending industry.
Founded in 2003 as a networking event, the forum has grown into an unmatched opportunity for experts from all corners of the industry to share ideas and best practices. The conference is structured to deliver insight on critical industry issues, with both a keynote presentation and multiple breakout sessions. Held in a forum style, sessions feature industry leaders sharing their perspectives and success stories—providing an executive’s eye view of the small business lending marketplace.
Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
This luxury resort is just 11 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), acting as the perfect gateway to Arizona attractions and the desertscape. Resort amenities are indigenous-inspired, from their Aji Spa treatments to their world-class Native American cuisine at Kai restaurant. Two championship golf courses were designed by renowned golf architect Gary Panks and feature original challenges with scenic desert vistas.
Take advantage of our exclusive room block, click the link below to secure accommodations at a special discounted rate for the conference.
Thursday, February 13
Opening Reception
› 6:00pm | Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Join us for a cocktail hour from 6pm – 7pm followed by dinner from 7pm – 10 pm.
Friday, February 14
Breakfast Buffet
› 7:30am – 8:30am | Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Small Business Lending Forum
› 8:30am | Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Our forum this year includes notable presentations and multiple breakout sessions focused on current issues facing our industry.
Evening Event
› 6:00pm | Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Saturday, February 15th
Optional Charity Golf Tournament
› 9:00am | Whirlwind Golf Club
This year’s tournament is hosted on site at the beautiful Devil’s Claw course, designed by Gary Panks. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Gila River landscape, you’ll navigate through cottonwood, mesquite, saguaro, and palo verde trees, alongside native grasses and rolling terrain. Enjoy a day of friendly competition among colleagues and friends.
Interested in Attending in 2026?
To provide the most personal conference environment, this forum is an invite-only event. To connect about our 2026 forum, complete our contact form and a representative will be in touch.
Registration
The Small Business Lending Forum is an invite-only event. Registration is now open. Invitees, follow the link to register on Eventbright.
At Orion First, we share your belief in the power of small business success. That's why we founded the Small Business Lending Forum—to foster collaboration among industry leaders, learn from one another, and drive innovation.
2025 Sponsors
Praise for the Forum
"Orion provided an invigorating couple days of collaborating with other lenders at the Small Business Lending Forum."
– Mary Tritsis, Chief Lending Officer, Allies for Community Banks
"It is always a pleasure attending and supporting Orion's Annual Small Business Lending Forum where Leaders, Influencers, and Innovators come together for an incredible event."
– Zack Marsh, SVP – Accounting & Analysis, AP Equipment Financing
“The SBLF always reveals a reason for attending.”
– Chris Morell, SVP, Capital Services, FinWise Bank