Southwest Louisiana business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to attend “Capitalize 2025: A Small Business Funding Panel with SBA and Local Lenders” on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Henning SEED Center.

Hosted by Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at McNeese State University, this free, interactive event offers a rare opportunity to connect directly with an array of lending professionals and explore a wide range of funding options tailored to small businesses.

Panelists include:

Jason Martinez, Senior Vice President, First Horizon

Mark Lewis, Vice President of Commercial Banking & Lending, JD Bank

Shelley Mancuso, Director of Business Services, Southwest Louisiana Credit Union

Doug Como, President – Lake Charles Market, Cadence Bank

Gerald Brooks, Lending Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

“This is a unique opportunity for both experienced business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to gain firsthand insights from local lenders and the SBA,” said Susan Thibodeaux, Director of the LSBDC at McNeese. “Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of the lending process and funding programs that can help bring their business goals to life.”

Registration is free and open to the public. To reserve your spot, as seating is limited, register online at www.louisianasbdc.org (search under Training) or call 337-475-5529.

Persons requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact McNeese’s Office of Campus Compliance and Civility at least 72 hours before the event. For more info, visit the Burton Business Center, Suite 407, or contact via phone at (337) 475-5428, fax at (337) 475-5603, or email at compliance@mcneese.edu.