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

On July 30th, Richmond Chamber of Commerce members participated in a live webinar, delivered by Merchant Growth. 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 This was a live online event that also included a Q&A session.