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 by using the link above to secure your accommodation at a special discounted rate for the conference.
Monday, March 18
Optional Charity Golf Tournament & Lunch
› 8:30 am | Whirlwind Golf Club
Shotgun Start at 8:30 am. Please arrive by 7:30 am to check in, find your group, and hit the driving range.
Optional Cattle Drive & Wrangler Lunch
› 11:00 am | KOLI Equestrian Center
Picture the movie “City Slickers” where you’ll work with other riders to round up some cattle and move them from KOLI equestrian center up and around Maricopa Wells and back. The goal is to work together to move the herd without any cows breaking away. And if so, going after the stray to return back to the herd. Group communication, focus, and teamwork will make this a fun and interactive event. After the drive we’ll have a wrangler lunch with hamburgers and chipotle chicken sandwiches.
Opening Reception
› 6:00 pm | Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Join us for a cocktail hour from 6 – 7 pm followed by dinner from 7 – 10 pm.
Tuesday, March 19
Breakfast Buffet
› 7:30 – 8:30 am | Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Small Business Lending Forum
› 8:30 am | 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
› 6:00 pm | Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Registration
The Small Business Lending Forum is an invite-only event. Invitees will receive an invitation from Orion First. If you haven’t received an invitation and would like to attend please contact us.
The Small Business Lending Forum is an invite-only event. If you received an invitation from Orion First, please click the link to register at Eventbrite. If you haven’t received an invitation and would like to attend please contact us.
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.
2024 Sponsors
Praise for the Forum
“The Small Business Lending Forum is one of the most important conferences that we attend as an association throughout the year. It gives us a real opportunity to capture the entire industry. This is the forum that is going to make a huge difference in your perspective on the entire equipment lease financing industry as well as the small business lending industry. This is the place to be.”
– Scott Stewart, Innovative Lending Platform Association
“Coming to this forum is a really easy decision to make. You have more interaction with other people, the panelists, and speakers [than other forums]. I think it’s a first-class event for anyone who is focused on small business lending.”
– James Mendelsohn, Proximo Capital
"Well worth the trip—we enjoyed meeting the other attendees, and the venue, speakers, and panels were all top-notch."
– JCase Matheis, Blue Elephant Capital Management
"Out of all the conferences I attend, [the Small Business Lending Forum] is the best. Quick, informational, and I always take away something that I can use in my business."
– Barbara Griffith, SCL Equipment Finance