Funder Intel

10/06/2026

Sometimes the best events are about more than business.

On Thursday, June 25th, professionals across business lending, fintech, and commercial finance are coming together in Fort Lauderdale for a Networking Poker Event for Charity benefiting Second Chance Society.

This local nonprofit helps provide people with a hand up, not a handout during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

Whether you want to play in the poker tournament or simply come for networking, there’s a place for you.

10/06/2026

Whether you want to play in the poker tournament or simply come for networking, there’s a place for you.

Expect a fun, high-energy evening with:

Great people
Open bar & food
Music & entertainment
Networking opportunities
Poker tournament & other activities

You can compete at the poker table, or simply enjoy a meaningful night out while supporting a great cause.

Thursday, June 25
Networking starts at 5:00 PM
Poker starts at 6:00 PM sharp
The Westin Fort Lauderdale
https://www.funderintel.com/events

10/06/2026

AI is slashing small-dollar SBA loan times, from 90 days to as little as 7. Discover how AI origination (powered by Casca) is accelerating banks like Live Oak, Huntington & Celtic and reshaping the alt-finance speed advantage. Read more: https://wix.to/k4ooQCl

AI origination is cutting small-dollar SBA loan times from 90 days to 7. Casca now powers Live Oak, Huntington & Celtic, and the alt-finance speed moat narrows.

09/06/2026

Groundfloor launches the SMB Growth Fund, bringing private credit and revenue-based financing to Main Street businesses. A new path for investors seeking alternative income and for small businesses needing flexible capital. Read the full story: https://wix.to/frxhgAL

Groundfloor Launches SMB Growth Fund with Homegrown, giving investors access to small business private credit and revenue-based financing.

09/06/2026

ByzFunder just closed a $170M KBRA-rated securitization backed by small business loans and MCAs, a major signal that alternative finance is scaling. Read how this deal could reshape capital access for small businesses and what it means for lenders and investors: https://wix.to/KmyNpHB

ByzFunder closed a $170M KBRA-rated asset-backed securitization backed by small business loans and MCAs, signaling growth in alternative finance.

08/06/2026

Whom do you know who works with small businesses?
Business loan brokers, accountants, insurance agents, consultants, bankers, marketers, merchant services reps, and anyone who regularly works with SMBs, this event is for you.

On Thursday, June 25th, join us at The Westin Fort Lauderdale for a night of networking, poker, and giving back with professionals across business lending, fintech, and commercial finance.

This is a chance to meet funders, build referral relationships, and make valuable business connections, all while supporting an incredible cause.

Want to test your poker skills?

Join the Charity Poker Tournament and play against finance industry peers.
Prefer to network?

Grab a networking-only ticket and enjoy the open bar, food (kosher available), DJ, games, and great conversations.

Most importantly, all proceeds benefit Second Chance Society, helping give people a hand up during difficult moments in life.

Poker registration closes 6/19/26 (or sooner if seats fill up).

Special thanks to our sponsors:
Optimum Bank | Revenue Based Finance Coalition | Lendini | 1st Commercial Credit
https://www.funderintel.com/event-details/networking-poker-tournament-for-charity
Shane Mahabir Dragin

07/06/2026

How embedded lending is reshaping small business finance: Pipe, Parafin and Lili are bringing capital directly into platforms, banking apps and merchant workflows. Read the full analysis from F.I. Editorial Team, a brief digest you can’t miss. https://wix.to/xfkripW

Pipe, Parafin and Lili show how embedded lending is moving small business financing into platforms, banking apps and merchant workflows.

06/06/2026

SBA suspends 27,486 Ohio borrowers tied to more than $1.1B in suspected PPP and EIDL fraud. As pandemic-era loan prosecutions continue, this latest enforcement action signals heightened scrutiny for lenders and borrowers alike. Read the full breakdown on FunderIntel: https://wix.to/wxwc8rH

SBA suspended 27,486 Ohio borrowers tied to $1.1B in suspected PPP and EIDL fraud as pandemic loan prosecutions continue.

06/06/2026

Not every second chance comes easy.

That’s why on June 25th, we’re coming together for more than just poker and networking.

All In For A Cause benefits Second Chance Society, a local nonprofit helping people through some of life’s toughest moments giving individuals a hand up, not a handout when they need it most.

Whether you come to play poker, network, or simply support a meaningful cause, your ticket helps make a difference.

A great night. Great people. A greater purpose.

June 25 | The Westin Fort Lauderdale
Poker + Networking for Charity
Benefiting Second Chance Society