We’re excited to announce the featured panelists who will be joining us for the FirstWave Innovator Workshop: Alternative Financing Solutions for Founders, presented by C3bank happening Wednesday June 25th! Learn from some of the best in finance and gather at the beautiful C3bank office in Encinitas, California! During this workshop, attendees will get to demystify alternative financing options for small businesses, connect with real lenders and resources, build financial literacy around debt terms and obligations, and access frameworks to assess funding fit for business models.
Give a warm welcome to our featured panelists and learn more about them:
Chris Carlson, Founder at Flywheel Business Solutions
Chris Carlson has spent the last 15 years helping small businesses grow their operations and strengthen their financial position. With a degree in finance, his career began in commercial banking in San Diego before he became an early employee and executive team member at the Silicon Valley fintech startup SmartBiz Loans — now SmartBiz Bank, N.A. After years of leading and training sales and operations teams, Chris launched his own company, Flywheel Business Solutions, a firm dedicated to increasing access to fair
working capital for businesses often overlooked by big banks. His company specializes in SBA 7(a) lending programs up to $350,000 and also provides a range of government-backed capital solutions, including acquisition loans, equipment financing, and tax-based credits and incentives.
Todd Stichler, CEO at LendSpark
Todd Stichler is a recognized leader in private credit and alternative financing with over two decades of experience, currently serving as Managing Director at LendSpark where he has helped deploy over $500 million in capital to small and mid-sized businesses through equipment financing, working capital solutions, and bridge loans across industries like construction, manufacturing, logistics, and consumer products. What distinguishes Todd is his background as a former business owner who understands the challenges of cash flow gaps and inflexible underwriting, allowing him to deliver tailored, common-sense solutions that help entrepreneurs scale rather than just survive. A passionate advocate for demystifying business financing, Todd is a frequent speaker on alternative credit structures and growth-stage funding, believing that financing should be a spark rather than a shackle, and he builds trust one relationship at a time by starting every deal with listening.
Richard Gendron, President & CEO at Primary Funding Corporation
Richard Gendron is the President and CEO of Primary Funding Corporation, where he combines deep expertise in financial analysis, credit risk management, and operational efficiency to help businesses access the capital they need to grow. With prior experience managing sizeable portfolios at Wells Fargo and California Bank & Trust and a background in streamlining underwriting and operations, Richard brings both strategy and speed to the alternative lending space. A Cal State San Marcos alum, he’s passionate about building strong client relationships—and even stronger businesses. Based in North County San Diego, Richard balances leadership with life on the coast alongside his wife and two kids.
Moderator, Kevin Garvey, Commercial Loan Officer at C3bank
Kevin Garvey is a technology-driven finance and accounting professional with over 20 years of experience who currently serves as a Commercial Loan Officer at C3bank, where he provides tailored lending solutions to support client success. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions across various industries, guiding companies through rapid growth, financial restructuring, and operational transformation while leveraging his entrepreneurial mindset and expertise in financial planning, accounting, and strategic analysis. Known for his collaborative, relationship-focused approach, Kevin builds trust across organizations and helps leaders make confident, data-driven decisions, and outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends while embracing outdoor activities like surfing, skiing, and fishing.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
Join us on June 25th and Learn About Alternative Funding!
Are you effectively using working capital and financing vehicles for your entrepreneurial goals & objectives? Through our curated expert panel and resource-led evening, attendees will gain actionable insights into non-traditional funding pathways and learn how to leverage alternative lending to fuel startup growth without diluting ownership. Register now, space is limited!