Local entrepreneurs and small business owners will have a chance to explore funding strategies and connect with financial experts during a free event at the Georgia T. Lord Library on Wednesday, June 18.

The event, titled "Business Builders: Funding Options for Your Business," will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the library’s first-floor programming room. Organized in partnership with the city’s InnovationHub, the program is aimed at helping both aspiring and established business owners understand what types of funding may be available to them, how to improve lendability, and where to access resources for starting or scaling a business.

A panel discussion will feature experts from a range of sectors, including traditional banking, lending, crowdfunding and nonprofit consulting.

Don Warriner, founding partner and CEO of VentureWest Partners, brings a background in financial analysis and global market insight. He specializes in helping businesses secure funding and develop capital strategies to support growth and market expansion.

Gabe Gasca of Midwest Regional Bank has more than 25 years of entrepreneurial experience. He works closely with small and medium-sized businesses seeking SBA 7(a) loans for acquisitions, equipment, inventory, franchises and start-up capital.

Jeremiah Smith, representing Everyone Inc., focuses on connecting nonprofit leaders with funding opportunities and support networks. The organization emphasizes listening to each client’s unique challenges and identifying the resources that can help them thrive.

Manny Lucero, founder and CEO of the Phoenix-based Lucero Consulting Group, provides consulting services for businesses and nonprofits across industries. As a Kiva US Trustee, he also helps entrepreneurs access crowdfunding and microloan opportunities.

Tomas Rivas, chief lending officer at MariSol Federal Credit Union, offers insight from 14 years in the industry. He oversees lending efforts at the institution, which is both a Community Development Financial Institution and a Minority Depository Institution dedicated to serving underserved communities in Maricopa County.

The evening’s agenda includes introductions at 5:30 p.m., followed by the panel discussion from 5:40 to 6:30 p.m. A Q&A session and networking opportunity will close out the evening from 6:40 to 7 p.m.

Participation is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions and learn from both the experts and one another.

The Georgia T. Lord Library is located at 1900 N. Civic Square in Goodyear.