Free Event:

June 18, 2026

Inside the Lender’s Mind: Credit, Cash Flow & Capital Access

Running a business in New Jersey? Pursuit and LAEDA are teaming up for a workshop that breaks down how lenders evaluate loan applications and what it takes to prepare for funding. Participants will learn why personal credit plays a critical role in business financing and how underwriters assess cash flow. The session will also provide an overview of available loan products through Pursuit, equipping attendees with practical insights to position their businesses for funding.

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You'll Learn:

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How lenders look at your finances
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The link between your personal and business finances
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How cash flow is calculated based on your tax returns

June 18, 2026

6:00 pm

  - 8:00 pm

Can’t make it? Sign up anyway to stay updated on future events.

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Meet Your Presenter

Paola Garcia-Villari
Managing Vice President, Pursuit
Paola Garcia-Villari is responsible for overseeing and operating Pursuit’s Business Advisory Services (BAS) team. She joined Pursuit as an underwriter in 2013, working on the Hurricane Sandy loan and grant programs. During her time with Pursuit, Paola has developed significant relationships with banks and referral partners and has helped thousands of small businesses obtain the capital they need to grow. Prior to Pursuit, Paola worked at NYC Business Solutions – Lower Manhattan as a Finance Account Manager and as Senior Loan Officer at Accion USA. She is a graduate of Hunter College, where she received her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry and Biology. Paola was born in Colombia and now lives in New York with her husband and their two-year-old son, Lucas.
Irene Dominguez
Vice President, Senior Business Advisor
As part of the business advisory team, Irene is responsible for working with a roster of borrowers, understanding their business needs, connecting them with business resources, and developing new ways to engage them in consulting and advisory services. Prior to joining Pursuit, Irene worked with women and minority small businesses in other nonprofit organizations providing guidance on certification processes, credit, and other business areas. Irene has extensive experience in the non-profit and government sectors, including work with small businesses as well as program evaluation. At Pursuit, Irene has supported efforts to reach small businesses through participation in events, including acting as panelist at the 2024 Latino Business Forum, which was organized by the SBA and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bridgeport. Irene has an MA in Social Sciences, with concentration on economics, from Montclair State University.

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