SBA Business Development Officer

THE ORGANIZATION: 

Accion Opportunity Fund is an unparalleled financial support system that provides small business owners with access to capital, networks, and coaching. We work to build inclusive and accessible options for these determined business owners. For over 30 years we have deployed over $1 billion in over 35,000 loans and served 4 million business owners with educational resources. Our client base is nearly 90% from underserved communities. 

In addition to providing resources and loans to small businesses, we also conduct original research, advocate for policy changes, and finance community construction projects in low-income neighborhoods through our New Markets Tax Credit program.

AOF is on a journey to both scale our impact and become financially sustainable. We’re building a better system for underserved small businesses and a workplace where passionate problem-solvers, data-driven thinkers, and small business champions thrive. 

For more information about us, visit https://aofund.org/

ROLE SUMMARY: 

Reporting to Chief Revenue Officer, the SBA Business Development Officer is a high-performing, relationship-driven SBA Business Development Officer (BDO) to originate SBA 7(a) loans up to $350,000 by developing and expanding referral partnerships and cultivating relationships within targeted industries.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in SBA lending, a proven track record of business development, and an established network of Centers of Influence (COIs), including CPAs, attorneys, business brokers, financial advisors, consultants, and commercial real estate professionals. The successful candidate will also possess deep industry knowledge and contacts within the healthcare, food & beverage, trade, and manufacturing sectors, enabling them to identify financing opportunities and become a trusted advisor to business owners and referral partners.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS 

• Opportunity to play a key role in expanding a growing SBA lending platform.
• Ability to leverage an established professional network while building new strategic partnerships.
• High visibility with direct impact on revenue growth and market expansion.
• Entrepreneurial culture with strong operational and credit support.
• Competitive base salary with uncapped incentive compensation and significant earning potential.

JOB DUTIES AND 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 ensuring 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 INDICATOR (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.

MUST HAVES: 

• 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 professional with exceptional pipeline management and organizational skills.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, production-oriented lending environment.
• Bilingual (English & Spanish) preferred.

NICE TO HAVES: 

• 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 

PERKS AND BENEFITS:

Our mission is what motivates us to come to work each day. We know that happy employees are productive employees, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• An environment that values work-life balance and monthly remote work reimbursements.
• 100% company-funded Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability coverage for employees (Based upon your plan selection). 90% company-funded dependent coverage (Based upon your plan selection) as well as 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.

We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion at Accion Opportunity Fund. AOF does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Salary Range*: $100,000-$140,000

This role is eligible for incentive compensation. Total on-target earnings (OTE) are 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.