SBA Business Development Officer

Overview

Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer, this role is a relationship-driven SBA Business Development Officer (BDO) responsible for originating SBA 7(a) loans up to $350,000. The position focuses on developing and expanding referral partnerships and cultivating relationships within targeted industries.

Responsibilities

Loan Origination & Revenue Generation

• Source, structure, and close SBA 7(a) loans up to $350,000 for small business owners.
• Develop and execute a disciplined sales strategy to achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual production goals.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline through direct prospecting, referral partners, and centers of influence.
• Guide borrowers through the financing process from initial consultation through closing.
• Maintain strong conversion ratios while delivering an exceptional customer experience.

Relationship & Referral Network Development

• Develop and strengthen relationships with Centers of Influence (COIs), including:
  • CPAs
  • Attorneys
  • Business brokers
  • Financial advisors
  • Commercial real estate professionals
  • Industry consultants
• Build strategic partnerships that generate a consistent flow of qualified SBA lending opportunities.
• Create joint business development plans with key referral partners to increase production and market penetration.
• Represent the organization at networking events, trade associations, industry conferences, and community organizations.
• Serve as a trusted financing resource for referral partners and clients.

Industry Development

• Leverage existing relationships and industry expertise to develop lending opportunities within:
  • Healthcare practices and providers
  • Food & Beverage businesses, including restaurants and food manufacturers
  • Trade contractors and service businesses
  • Manufacturing companies
• Understand industry-specific financing needs, growth opportunities, and acquisition strategies.
• Build long-term relationships with business owners to generate repeat business and referrals.
• Identify market trends and develop targeted outreach strategies within key verticals.

Credit & Deal Structuring

• Conduct preliminary financial analysis, including cash flow assessment, debt service coverage, and repayment capacity.
• Structure transactions in accordance with SBA guidelines and internal credit policy.
• Collaborate with underwriting and credit teams to facilitate efficient approvals.
• Present well-structured loan requests with clear analysis and mitigating factors.
• Maintain high credit quality while balancing growth objectives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Monthly and annual SBA loan origination volume.
• Number of active referral partners and production per partner.
• Growth and engagement of Centers of Influence network.
• Pipeline size, velocity, and conversion rates.
• Revenue generation and portfolio quality.
• Client retention and referral partner satisfaction.
• Repeat borrower and referral business.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in SBA lending, commercial banking, or small business lending.
• Demonstrated success originating SBA 7(a) loans and consistently exceeding production goals.
• Established network of Centers of Influence (COIs) that generate referral opportunities.
• Strong relationships and experience within the healthcare, food & beverage, trade, and manufacturing industries.
• Thorough understanding of SBA lending programs, credit analysis, and loan structuring.
• Proven ability to develop new business through relationship management and consultative selling.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and networking skills.
• Self-motivated with exceptional pipeline management and organizational skills.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, production-oriented lending environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English & Spanish).
• Existing relationships with equipment vendors, brokers, or referral partners.
• Experience with SBA or other government-backed lending programs.
• Familiarity with CDFIs or mission-driven financial institutions.
• Experience structuring equipment leasing or vendor finance programs.
• Existing book of business with active COI referral flow.
• Experience working within PLP (Preferred Lender Program) environments.
• Demonstrated success scaling new geographic markets or verticals.
• Experience originating loans <$500K with high velocity / small-dollar SBA.
• Proven ability to self-source 70%+ of production.
• Experience collaborating with credit + ops in high-throughput environments.
• Background in digital or fintech-enabled lending platforms.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $100,000-$140,000.
• Incentive compensation eligible; Total on-target earnings (OTE) expected to range from $135,000 to $225,000+, based on individual production, funded loan volume, and partner channel development. High performers may exceed target earnings based on results.
• 100% company-funded Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability coverage for employees (based on plan selection).
• 90% company-funded dependent coverage (based on plan selection), plus Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Voluntary benefits with payroll deduction for Supplemental Life & AD&D insurance and legal plans.
• Tax deferred & Roth 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match.
• Unlimited paid vacation days, 12 paid holidays, 1 floating paid holiday, 10 Sick days, and paid parental leave.
• Work-life balance with monthly remote work reimbursements.

Location

• Remote work with monthly remote work reimbursements.