Description

Join the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce Programs Committee for an interactive event designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs navigate the world of business financing. You’ll hear from experienced professionals who will share practical strategies for securing capital. Learn how to prepare a strong business plan, understand what lenders are looking for, and explore creative ways to fund your growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, this event will equip you with the knowledge and resources to access the capital your business needs to succeed.

Discussion Topics:

Understanding the Capital Landscape – Explore the current challenges and opportunities small business owners face when seeking funding, including trends in lending and common misconceptions.

Programs & Resources for Growth – Learn about SBA programs, local county resources, and how community partners can support your business financing needs.

Practical Guidance for Securing Funding – Gain actionable advice on preparing a strong business plan, strengthening your financial position, and identifying funding options for startups and established businesses.

Trends & Future Outlook – Hear expert perspectives on the evolving lending environment, fintech innovations, and what the next few years may hold for small business financing.

Actionable Takeaways & Q&A – Leave with practical steps to take immediately, plus the opportunity for a personal Q&A with experienced lenders and financial advisors.

Date: October 28th, 2025
Time: 9:30am-11:00am
Location: CPCC
1201 Elizabeth Ave
Charlotte, NC 28205

Parking Location and Map

Moderator:

Blair Thompson
Founder and President
SPARTA Wealth Partners

Blair Thompson serves as Founder and President of Sparta Wealth Partners. Blair holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a Million Dollar Round Table, MDRT®, qualifying member, holds the Certified Wealth Strategist, CWS®, Accredited Asset Management Specialist, AAMS, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, CRPC, designations and is a perennial Chairman’s Council and Leaders Club qualifier with several institutions. Additionally, he qualified and was nominated for the Prestigious Top 100 Financial Advisers in the USA by Financial Planning magazine in 2017. He has also served on the boards of the Society of Financial Services Professionals, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers, Special Operator Transition Foundation, The Rosie Network and the SEAL Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation and is a member of Forest Hill Church in Charlotte, NC.

Panelists:

Jason Woods
Lender Relations Specialist - NC District Office
U.S Small Business Administration

Jason Woods works as a Lender Relations Specialist in the SBA North Carolina District Office. In this role, he works with bank originating new SBA loans, scenarios, guidelines, and other problem resolution. He previously worked in banking since 2003. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UNC Greensboro and is a native of North Carolina.

Robert Lightner
VP, National Business Development Officer
Huntington Bank (National SBA Lender)

With over 27 years of industry experience, Robert focuses on delivering access to capital through a world class experience from coast to coast across the continental US. Robert is a seasoned lender with a defined process that allows him to bring a suite of solutions to business owners, including real estate, partner buyouts, acquisition, franchise, and startup financing. In tandem, with the support of Huntington as the #1 SBA lender in the country, Robert is proud to help make small business owners dreams come true!

Janelly Rosales
- Senior Economic Development Program Manager 
Office of Economic Development  - Mecklenburg County Government

Janelly Rosales is a Senior Economic Development Program Manager with Mecklenburg County’s Office of Economic Development. Janelly has experience in business advising, program development, lending, and government contracting. Janelly is dedicated to promoting economic mobility by focusing efforts on enhancing entrepreneurial activity, and supporting business growth and success, and providing access to funding opportunities to local small businesses.

In her role, Janelly leads the Business Lending & Coaching program, which encompasses the Meck Lending vehicle—a funding program designed to empower local small businesses through flexible terms and competitive rates. Her impact goes beyond funding: Janelly offers strategic consulting to entrepreneurs facing obstacles in securing capital. With a deep commitment to economic empowerment, she equips business owners with the tools and knowledge to build sustainable businesses. Janelly holds an MBA from Lenoir-Rhyne University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Janelly lives in Charlotte, where she enjoys the greenways, festivals, and weekend trips across North Carolina with her husband and son.