Stay out of trouble with new laws
& regulations
The latest on key policy developments and hear directly from the policymakers who are shaping the future of the industry.
Brokers Expo New York is the first conference organized for the small business finance industry, by the small business finance industry. It is an opportunity to engage with and learn from industry thought leaders and policymakers while networking with fellow brokers from across the country.
Brokers Expo New York is the first conference organized for the small business finance industry, by the small business finance industry. It is an opportunity to engage with and learn from industry thought leaders and policymakers while networking with fellow brokers from across the country.
Brokers Expo New York welcomes small business financiers from across the country to New York to learn from and network with some of the nation’s top small business industry thought-leaders and policymakers.
This one-day program will provide you with the tools, strategies, and best practices you need to successfully compete in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
Brokers Expo New York will take place on September 17, 2025, at Center 415, located at 415 5th Avenue (between 37th and 38th Streets).
The New York metro area is served by three major airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
We encourage you to come ready to learn from some of the nation’s top small business finance experts and policy leaders. You will want your laptop or other mobile devices on hand to take notes during the interactive sessions.
The dress code for Brokers Expo New York is business casual. This includes the forum sessions as well as the networking events.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available. For sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities, contact info@thefundersforumbrokerexpo.com
Please contact info@thefundersforumbrokerexpo.com
Join us at The Refinery Rooftop, 63 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Registration For Broker Expo NYC 2025 Opens at 8:30 AM.
Mary Donohue, Executive Director of the Revenue Based Finance Coalition, gives us opening remarks to kick off Brokers Expo New York City 2025.
In today’s RBF environment, brokers are under increasing pressure to improve close rates and secure long-term renewals—even as merchant rate-shopping intensifies and decline rates rise. This panel explores how to win trust in a market where credibility is everything. Panelists will share tactical strategies for opening conversations with value rather than pressure, using transparency and education to set expectations, and pre-framing pricing before objections arise. The session will also address the importance of qualifying deals rigorously, reframing the value of RBF with urgency (not fear), and identifying red flags that signal fraud or likely defaults. Emphasizing that sales and collections are two ends of the same trust spectrum, this panel will guide brokers on how to protect both their book and their clients through ethical, risk-aware selling.
For brokers looking to reduce declines and speed up approvals, understanding how funders evaluate their partners is critical. This panel pulls back the curtain on what separates the average broker from the top-tier performers who earn funders’ trust—and their best offers. Attendees will learn what funders prioritize in a broker relationship, including submission quality, clear communication, deal mix, and ethical merchant handling. Panelists will also discuss the behaviors that get brokers cut off, from manipulated documents and high complaint volumes to nonresponsiveness and deceptive practices. Finally, the discussion will explore how to build long-term funder partnerships through consistency, strategic advocacy, and data-driven performance improvement—providing a roadmap for brokers aiming to become part of the top 20% that dominate the industry.
Lunch & networking in the vendor hall
As the regulatory landscape rapidly shifts, staying ahead of compliance changes is no longer optional for RBF brokers and funders—it’s essential for survival. This panel will provide critical updates on proposed and enacted legislation in key states like New York, Texas, California, Illinois, and Maryland, where new disclosure requirements and usury risks could severely impact your ability to fund deals. Panelists will also examine how aggressive state-level regulation is influencing federal policymakers in Washington, D.C., setting the stage for broader national oversight. Finally, the discussion will highlight the strategic role of political giving and advocacy in shaping outcomes—demonstrating how targeted engagement and financial influence can help turn the tide against harmful policies.
Engaging and impactful content is only as strong as the venue it is presented in, that is why Brokers Expo New York City creates a full top notch experience down to the very last detail.
Another year, another industry-leading experience everyone will be talking about. This year we will be heading to an incredible new venue to create incredible new experiences. Brokers Expo New York City will continue to grow and change the industry, and it will continue to be the event of the year everyone will be talking about. Don’t wait, lock in this year’s event at its low super early bird rate.
We’re excited to host our upcoming event at Center 415, a premier, full-service venue located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. With over 30,000 square feet of modern, flexible space and stunning city views, Center 415 offers the perfect blend of style, sophistication, and convenience. Just steps from Bryant Park and major transit hubs, it’s an ideal location to connect, network, and make an impact. Join us at this vibrant NYC destination for a memorable experience in one of the city’s most dynamic event spaces.
CENTER415
415 5th Avenue Btw. 37th and 38th Streets New York, NY 10016
Martinique New York on Broadway —a historic gem nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This beautifully restored Beaux-Arts landmark blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, offering guests a one-of-a-kind experience. With over 8,000 square feet of event space, Art Deco–inspired guest rooms, and a variety of on-site dining options.
Located just steps from Herald Square, Penn Station, the Empire State Building, and 12 major subway lines, this prime Broadway location offers unmatched convenience and vibrant city energy.
Martinique New York
49 W 32nd Street, New York, NY 10001
Scott Crockett is the founder and CEO of Everest Business Funding. He is a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience in the finance industry. Mr. Crockett’s track record includes raising more than $500 million in capital and creating thousands of jobs. Scott has founded, built, and managed several finance companies in the consumer and commercial finance sectors.
Mary Donohue is the Executive Director for the Revenue Based Finance Coalition (RBFC). Before joining RBFC, Mary worked as a government relations specialist for CATALYST Government Affairs. At CATALYST, Mary managed various client portfolios in areas ranging from a variety of financial services issues to foster care policy in many states across the country as well as in Washington, DC. Her prior work also consists of developing and managing the federal and state public policy strategies for the small business lending brands within Enova International (NYSE: ENVA) (OnDeck, Headway Capital, The Business Backer), including coordination with Enova SMB’s P&Ls, corporate support groups, third party consultants, and industry organizations. Mary also developed and led public policy promotion campaigns and built networks of trade associations, industry partners, and non-profit groups to support policies that help create and maintain access to credit over the internet for America’s small businesses.
A well-seasoned government affairs professional, Mary lived and worked in Washington, DC for over ten years with a significant amount of time spent at one of DC’s top federal lobbying firms, Polaris Consulting. At Polaris, Mary specialized in financial services and labor client portfolios and implemented various strategic objectives through Congressional outreach and research.
Mary holds a Masters in Public Administration and Policy from American University and graduated magna cum laude from St. Lawrence University with a double major in Government and Psychology. In her free time, Mary enjoys hanging out with her husband, Parker, who is a U.S. Naval Officer and former Fighter Pilot, and their two dogs Cosmo, a Dalmatian, and Comet, an English Setter as well as her off the track Thoroughbred, Mucho.
Louis Calderone is the President and co-founder of VOX Funding, a leading fintech company specializing in innovative funding solutions for small businesses. Under Louis’s leadership, VOX has experienced rapid, exponential growth, driven by a strong emphasis on building lasting client partnerships. His vision and expertise continue to shape VOX’s mission of empowering businesses by providing them with the capital needed to fuel their success and growth.
Louis brings over 30 years of industry experience to his role, having navigated diverse sectors of financial services. Louis began his career as an options and equity trader in New York, honing his skills in high-pressure environments. Prior to founding VOX Funding, he spent over two decades at Aegis Capital, eventually rising to the role of President. Louis transformed Aegis from a small player in the industry to a premier, full-service investment firm. He has held various leadership positions at firms such as Converge Media Group, where he guided them to an acquisition by Zealot Networks in 2015.
Dan Gans is the founder and managing principal of Polaris Consulting, LLC. Prior to establishing Polaris, Dan managed the Telecommunications, Technology and Energy practice at a top 20 lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. for three years. Under Dan’s stewardship, Polaris Government Relations has quickly become one of the most in demand boutique lobbying firms in Washington. Dan in an expert in fintech policy and works closely with the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs.
Dan is an eleven-year veteran of Capitol Hill. Most recently, Dan served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Bob Riley (R-AL). In addition to serving as Riley’s Chief of Staff, Gans was also a Senior Advisor (in a volunteer capacity) to Riley’s successful gubernatorial campaign in 2002. Dan worked with the campaign General Consultant to develop and implement a successful media, grass roots, and fundraising plan.
As Chief of Staff, Dan served as Congressman Riley’s principal strategist and advisor on all legislative and political matters including the Congressman’s work on the Financial Services, Armed Services and Agriculture Committees. Dan’s responsibilities included oversight and management of the Washington, D.C. and Alabama offices. Dan also served as the Congressman’s liaison to House leadership and the Republican Study Committee.
During his tenure as Chief of Staff, Gans was recognized by The Wall Street Journal for designing a state-of-the-art interactive Congressional website that implemented an e-video communication platform. Bob Riley was the first Member of Congress to communicate with his constituents using video email technology. It was no surprise that Campaigns and Elections magazine cited Bob Riley’s campaign website as one of the best in the country and critical to his election success in 2002. Dan has been a regular speaker on internet communication and e-strategy for the House Republican Conference. Dan also held a Department of Defense security clearance, which he was required to have in order to handle Riley’s work on the House Armed Services Committee.
Joshua is a partner at SBL Strategies and focuses on financial services lobbying amongst other areas. He has worked as an advisor for multiple U.S. Senators and Governors on both the political and official side for over 10 years. Joshua served as a senior advisor for former U.S. Senator and Ranking Member of the Banking Committee Pat Toomey.
Joshua has been in the government relations industry for close to 10 years and focuses his lobbying on FinTech, alternative consumer and commercial lending, debt collection, credit reporting, international finance issues as well as some transportation, health care and immigration issues.
Mr. Novotney stays very politically active as well working on super PAC’s and informally advising campaigns.
Kate is a partner in Hudson Cook, LLP’s Maryland office and co-chair of the firm’s Business Funding practice group. Her practice focuses on the areas of Consumer Financial Services and Small Business Financing. Kate represents banks, finance companies, private equity and investment bank investors, merchant cash advance companies, and small business lenders establishing new programs and products, and conducts due diligence and compliance reviews of consumer lending and business financing portfolios.
As a pillar in the alternative finance industry, Jay Avigdor seamlessly balances his roles as President & CEO of Velocity Capital Group, demonstrating a unique equilibrium between day-to-day operations and strategic innovation. Over his 15-year career, Jay has cultivated an extensive network of over 40,000 relationships with clients and brokers, contributing to an impressive $850 million in sales. His forward-thinking, data-driven approach to revenue-based financing has been instrumental in positioning Velocity Capital Group as a leader in the small and medium-sized business (SMB) growth sector. By leveraging advanced data processing and cutting-edge technology to interpret data, Jay is setting new trends in the industry, offering tailored financial solutions that drive sustainable growth for SMBs. His infectious enthusiasm for working closely with his team and his active involvement in day-to-day business processes exemplify his hands-on leadership style, fueling Velocity Capital Group’s continual growth and success.
As Founder and Managing Partner at Hollis Public Affairs, Brian works hand-in-hand with clients from across the board in health care, not for profits, financial services, infrastructure, tourism, Technology, education and Native American tribes to identify, develop, and capture opportunities, as well as providing legislative and regulatory guidance. He brings decades of experience in shepherding and overseeing public and private projects that impact capital and social infrastructure and medium-to large-scale economic development, providing him with first-hand knowledge of what it takes to achieve ambitious goals.
As the former Director of Government & Community Relations at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Brian oversaw and facilitated significant developments through project review and construction. While at the Port Authority, he also managed the Office of Strategic Planning Analysis, where he worked closely with the Executive Chamber to advance critical transportation infrastructure policy aligned with a transit-oriented development agenda within the Port Authority.
Brian previously served as senior staff in the United States Congress, including roles as Deputy State Director to US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Executive Director to Congressman Gregory Meeks. In 2004, he was tapped by Senator John Kerry’s presidential campaign to serve as its national Deputy Director for African-American Affairs.
Rachael Schreiber leads CATALYST’s multistate government affairs practice where she draws from more than twenty years of experience in a variety of senior roles. Before joining CATALYST, Rachael led legislative and political affairs for one of the largest consumer specialty finance companies in the United States. She also served at some of the highest level positions in the Texas State Capitol.
Her unique blend of private and public sector experience makes her an effective advocate and strategist for businesses seeking to effectively engage with elected officials and other policymakers. Her invaluable institutional knowledge, broad range of relationships, and appetite for complex public policy issues have resulted in both immediate wins and long-lasting relationships for businesses across the country.
Bryan Dumas is the Senior Vice President of Sales at FAVO Capital, a publicly traded private credit firm based in the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, delivering fintech-focused funding solutions exclusively to small and mid-sized businesses based in the United States.
Previously, Bryan held leadership roles in sales and client relationship management within the alternative finance and lending sectors, gaining valuable experience that informs his strategic approach at FAVO. He currently leads the company’s national sales and customer success teams, driving production strategies and cultivating long-term partnerships.
Known for his client-first leadership style, Bryan brings practical insight into scaling sales operations, adapting to regulatory changes, and evolving funding models in a competitive market. He is pursuing an Executive MBA to further enhance his leadership and strategic skills.
Outside of work, Bryan enjoys quality time with his fiancée. The couple is excitedly expecting their first child in October, and he values balancing a high-performing career with building a strong family foundation.
Matthew Feit is a seasoned professional in the Merchant Finance industry, having entered the space in 2014. In 2016, he founded High Power Capital Group, a firm recognized for its commitment to building strong client relationships and delivering tailored financial solutions to small businesses nationwide.
With extensive experience gained through direct engagement with business owners and industry leaders, Matthew has developed a deep understanding of the funding landscape. Under his leadership, High Power Capital Group has earned a reputation for integrity, reliability, and results. The firm is known for its collaborative approach with top funders and lenders and has established itself as a trusted name in the business funding sector.
In 2023, High Power Capital Group achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first brokerage firm to join the RBFC!
Michelle Melo is the Chief Financial Officer of Westwood Funding Solutions, a direct funder focused on revenue-based financing for small to mid-sized businesses. With nearly a decade of experience in finance—from asset-based lending to underwriting and portfolio management—Michelle is known for blending sharp strategy with a hands-on, get-it-done attitude. When she’s not in the numbers, you’ll likely find her enjoying downtime with her family, laughing over a great meal, or planning her next getaway.
Cory Svihla is the Chief Revenue Officer at Dedicated Financial GBC, where he leads the company’s revenue-generating strategies to drive sustainable growth and client success. With a strong background in strategic leadership and relationship development, Cory previously co-founded Intellex Forensics, an experience that helped shape his entrepreneurial vision and leadership style. Cory is dedicated to enhancing client relationships, and advancing Dedicated’s mission of changing the world through business. Cory is married, has 2 daughters, 1 son, and spends his free time outdoors with his family.
Ben Khaimov is an experienced financial services professional and is one of the co-founders of Fratello Capital where he has been heading underwriting and operations until assuming the CEO role earlier this year. Prior to this Ben has over 10 years of experience in real estate financing and appraisal sectors. Ben is dedicated to taking Fratello to the next level by providing exceptional service and innovating financing options for the underserved broker and small business communities.
Matthew Knatz is an experienced Business Development Representative at CFG Merchant Solutions, located in the heart of New York City’s financial district. With over 12 years in the industry, Matt has been recognized for his ability to build meaningful partnerships and drive deal momentum through clear and straightforward communication.
