Securing the right funding is a critical step for small businesses looking to grow, but the process can often feel complex and overwhelming. 

This panel brings together experienced financial professionals to break down the loan process, discuss common challenges businesses face, and share insights on how to prepare for a successful loan application. Whether you're exploring traditional bank loans or alternative lending options, this discussion will provide practical guidance to help you navigate the financing journey with confidence. 

A light lunch will be provided.

Waynette Davis | Senior Commercial Relationship Manager, Truist Bank

Waynette Davis is the commercial Banking Relationship Manager for Truist Financial Corporation. She manages existing commercial banking relationships within the Knoxville, Tennessee market and is responsible for acquisition and development of new and existing long-term commercial banking relationships for clients with $5MM to $100MM in annual sales consistently delivering a differentiated client experience in all interactions. She is responsible for delivering the full complement of the bank's products and services as a trusted financial advisor. 

Kristina Head | VP of Lending, Pathway Lending

As a Banking professional that collaborates with business clients to provide financial solutions, Kristina has worked in three key industries: Music and Entertainment, Office Furniture and Banking. Each industry has given her insight to the inner workings of the companies and collaborating with a variety of clients. As a lender, Kristina leans on these experiences and knowledge to understand core business concepts and recognize financial solutions. Kristina takes great satisfaction from being active and productive. She enjoys studying problems and processes and finding the solutions or streamlining a process to provide operational success for clients.

Ann Zack | Senior Business Advisor, Pathway Lending

As a Senior Business Advisor at Pathway Lending, a mission-driven CDFI, Chattanooga native Ann Zack empowers small businesses across Tennessee to unlock growth, streamline operations, and secure strategic financing. With a career spanning journalism, entrepreneurship, and economic development, she brings a blend of storytelling savvy and real-world experience to every client partnership. Prior to Pathway Lending, Ann honed her expertise as a Small Business Specialist at the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at Cleveland State Community College, where she guided startups through critical early-stage challenges. Her insights are rooted in her own 12-year entrepreneurial journey, which began after a 15-year journalism career at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In 2010, she and her husband launched a consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brand from the business incubator in North Chattanooga, navigating everything from cashflow management to state and federal taxes. Today Ann specializes in translating complex financial concepts into actionable strategies, helping business owners understand financial documents, develop a marketing plan and plan for future growth. She truly believes that strong businesses build stronger communities – a principle she demonstrates through volunteer mentorship and her work supporting underserved entrepreneurs.