Small Business Lender and Coach

Do you love helping small business owners, opening doors for people, and solving real problems? Do you know the small business community in Northwest Michigan — the entrepreneurs, community leaders, and local organizations — by name? Have you built relationships, earned trust, and helped things get done? Venture North Funding & Development is looking for someone exactly like that.

As a mission-driven nonprofit and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Venture North provides low-cost loans and no-cost consulting to help small businesses grow, especially those that may not qualify for traditional financing. The Small Business Lender & Coach role is highly community-focused and deeply rewarding — centered on building relationships, generating referrals, and guiding business owners through the lending and support process so they can access the capital and resources they need to thrive.

• Conduct grassroots, in-person outreach to build trust and awareness of Venture North services
• Build relationships with small business owners, community partners, small business service providers and local organizations throughout Grand Traverse, Manistee, Leelanau, and Benzie counties
• Generate referrals and cultivate a steady pipeline of potential borrowers
• Guide prospective clients through the loan application process
• Participate in lending activities including coordinating loan documentation, presenting to loan committee, closing activities, and disbursement of funds.
• Manage a loan portfolio, assisting with the collection of financial statements, site visits, etc
• Connect businesses to consulting and technical assistance resources

A current or former small business owner, business liaison, community leader or community lender

Someone with strong roots and connections in the region including in Grand Traverse, Manistee, Leelanau, and Benzie counties

A natural relationship builder who enjoys helping people and being out in the field

Someone who understands the challenges small businesses face and enjoys solving problems

Someone with a working knowledge of financial statements, including balance sheets and profit and loss (P&L) statements, with the ability to interpret key financial indicators

Someone with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience

3–5+ years of experience in community development, small business, economic development, nonprofit work, banking, or related fields

Lending experience is helpful but not required as the person in this role will be connected with an excellent team of colleagues with cross-functional expertise

Salary: commensurate with experience

Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

401(k) with 7% employer match

Remote work and flexible work schedule

The opportunity to do meaningful, community-centered work every day