Lending​/Loan Operations

Company: Southwest Initiative Foundation

Locations: , Hybrid;
Hutchinson, MN

Job Function: Lending/Loan Operations

Southwest Initiative Foundation is a nonprofit community foundation serving southwest Minnesota, dedicated to strengthening regional economic vitality and expanding opportunity. We partner with individuals, businesses, financial institutions, and communities to drive local growth, support entrepreneurs, and foster lasting impact.

Our work is rooted in the belief that when wealth stays local, it fuels economic mobility and builds resilient communities. In 2024, we launched Southwest Minnesota Community Capital (SMCC), our emerging Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), to expand access to capital and deliver mission-driven lending that supports historically underserved populations and promotes long-term business stability.

Through our Business Finance and Microenterprise Loan Programs, we collaborate with banks, credit unions, and other partners to create and retain quality jobs, strengthen small businesses, and help communities compete in a global economy. Beyond lending, we provide technical assistance and resources supporting entrepreneurs with tools in accounting, operations, and marketing. At our core, we connect people, capital, and ideas to build a stronger, more inclusive southwest Minnesota.

This position is responsible for originating, underwriting, and managing commercial loans and business financing programs. The role engages prospects, applicants, and partners; structures and negotiates financing solutions; and oversees loan closing, servicing, and portfolio management. This position also ensures compliance and reporting for multiple state and federal programs, while providing technical assistance to support borrower success and program effectiveness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct comprehensive credit analysis using independent judgment and discretion for a multiple business finance programs, including United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, Southwest Minnesota Community Capital (SMCC), Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program and other Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) programs, and other special business financing initiatives.
  
  Review of business plans; historical and projected business cash flow statements, profit and loss statements, and balance sheets; credit bureau reports; business and personal income tax returns; personal financial statements; business and personal collateral/security; organizational/governance documents; audits, contracts, and other due diligence information to complete an accurate financial analysis for each applicant. Review business projections and assumptions for reasonableness to complete the financial analysis and underwriting process.
• Provide pre-loan technical assistance to borrowers by assisting prospects and applicants with business planning, loan application preparation, and related processes for application submission and efficient business operations.
• Prepare financing recommendations and coordinate applicable internal approval processes including loan committee meetings, President approvals, and Board ratifications/approvals, using independent judgment and discretion.
  
  Communicate credit decisions to applicants and project partners. Negotiate terms and conditions as warranted.
• Prepare loan closing documents, internal loan files, intercreditor agreements, and other documents in compliance with applicable government regulations and Foundation policies and procedures. Execute filings and registrations to ensure that security interests are perfected, including UCC filings, mortgages, and other pledges of business or personal assets.
• Provide portfolio management throughout the term of the loan including insurance, forbearance requests, payoff management, restructuring requests and complex payment issues, substitutions or releases of collateral, collections, and other elements of a mission-based commercial loan portfolio.
• Ensure that all loans are made in adherence with federal, state, Foundation, and other funder policies, procedures, guidelines, and applicable laws.
  
  Enforce adherence to requirements and advise management on needed actions. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of SBA, USDA, and DEED products, rules and regulations, and applicable laws and policies. Assist in…