Meet the Lenders: Funding Your Business with SBA Programs

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of loan programs to support a range of funding needs including commercial real estate, equipment, working capital, debt refinancing, and microloans. Whether your business needs $500 or $5 million, this network of lenders and technical service providers is here to help.

This panel will feature local SBA lenders discussing the types of financing they offer, which program is best suited to your needs, and what lenders are looking for in a successful loan application.

MODERATOR
Janie Sacco, Outreach and Marketing Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Janie Sacco began working for the US Small Business Administration's Seattle District Office in May 2020 as an Outreach and Marketing Specialist to assist small business owners with the Covid pandemic relief funding programs. Prior to joining the SBA, Janie worked with financial institutions for more than forty years. For over 30 years, she supported the small business community throughout the Puget Sound area by providing small business funding, financial education, and technical assistance. She utilized Federal, State, and local funding programs to support start-up and existing business growth.

Laura Gomez, Business Impact NW

Laura Gomez is a Loan Officer at Business Impact NW, assisting clients with securing financing and navigating the lending process from origination to post-closing. She ensures clients understand their options and provides guidance on financial challenges. Laura also collaborates with organizations aligned with Business Impact NW's mission to support local economic development.

Sean Devlin, Evergreen Business Capital

Sean Devlin is a Senior Loan Officer at Evergreen Business Capital covering the South Sound territory. He focuses on partnering with local lenders and small business owners to assist them in the purchase of real estate and equipment through the SBA 504 program.

Cathleen Rouillard, Northwest Business Development Association (NWBDA)

Cathleen Rouillard is an SBA 504 Loan Officer with Northwest Business Development Association (NWBDA). She has over 25 years of experience in financial services, dedicated to helping businesses thrive in dynamic economic environments. She brings expertise in SBA business loan underwriting, particularly in commercial real estate and equipment financing along with prompt, responsive, customer focused service to her business relationships.

John Berry, Director of Capital, Ventures Nonprofit

John Berry is Director of Capital with Ventures. He has more than 30 years' experience managing microloans in Seattle and internationally. Before starting at Ventures he designed, managed, and evaluated microfinance programs in Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe with a focus on increasing access to financial and technical support for underserved entrepreneurs