For startups, money to fulfill necessary expansion needs is never easy to come by. Direct Capital is a financial technology company that has provided much-needed financial support to a plethora of small- and medium-sized businesses, franchisors and equipment and technology sellers to bolster their growth process. For the current year, the company is going to give special focus on the franchise sector and has already announced a $300-million commitment for the franchise space in 2013.

As part of its commitment, Direct Capital is also sponsoring the Franchise Finance and Growth Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 24 and 25. For those looking to take a plunge into franchise space, Direct Capital will share insights into finding easy access to funds. Attendees will also come to learn about Direct Capital’s unique programs and how they are designed to address the financial needs of the marketplace.

Direct Capital senior VP Eric Renaud, CFE will be a key speaker at the event.  Entitled, “Inside Franchise Finance: Who, What, Where: Find Capital for Franchise Growth panel,” Renenaud’s address will cover the major needs of franchisees.

“Franchisees have a huge need for capital that isn’t being met in the current market. We connect franchisees daily with affordable, easy-to-use financing, and this conference gives another opportunity to make those connections happen,” Renaud explained in a statement.

Small business lending demand hit its highest level of 2013 in March, according to Direct Capital’s Monthly Small Business Lending Index released last month. The index showed that small business lending demand across the United States in March was up 4.5 percent over February. Year-over-year demand increased as well. The index found that demand in March 2013 was up by 36 percent over March 2012. That continues a trend of increased demand over 2012 previously observed in both February and January.