SBA Business Development Associate

As the SBA Business Development Associate at Bankwell, your responsibilities will encompass assisting the Business Development Officer in various loan production activities, training new staff, managing loan application processes, and providing comprehensive support in underwriting and back-office tasks. This role is designed to ensure smooth operations and allow the BDO to focus on marketing while you handle crucial details in crafting and overseeing loan submissions.

To qualify for the position of SBA Business Development Associate at Bankwell, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or have equivalent experience. Additionally, a minimum of three years of direct SBA or commercial lending experience, knowledge of SBA guidelines, and strong analytical skills will set you apart as an ideal candidate.

The SBA Business Development Associate plays a pivotal role in supporting loan production at Bankwell by assisting in the creation and management of loan submissions, analyzing loan viability, gathering necessary financial documentation, and acting as a liaison between customers and the lending team, ensuring a seamless flow of information and a positive customer experience.

Candidates for the SBA Business Development Associate position at Bankwell should have strong working knowledge and proficiency in various software tools, including Microsoft Office Suite, SalesForce, HubSpot, nCino, and SPARK. Familiarity with these applications will be crucial for efficiently handling loan documentation and improving communication across teams.

At Bankwell, community involvement is a core value, and as an SBA Business Development Associate, you will have opportunities to engage with various local not-for-profit organizations. Bankwell actively supports initiatives that aim to improve lives in the community, and you will be encouraged to contribute your time and talents to make a tangible impact while growing your career.

When answering this question, provide details about your previous roles involving SBA loans, highlighting specific projects or responsibilities. Mention your expertise in loan documentation, underwriting processes, and your ability to manage loan applications independently.

In your response, discuss the ways you contribute to a BDO’s success, such as managing administrative tasks, preparing loan submissions, training new hires, or helping gather crucial client information to streamline their workload.

Explain your training strategies, emphasizing clear communication, hands-on demonstrations, and providing resources. Highlight your own experiences in training and how you ensure new staff feel comfortable in their roles.

Discuss your method for gathering and evaluating financial data, such as assessing profitability, cash flow, and the applicant’s creditworthiness. Mention tools you use and how you ensure you make informed recommendations.

Talk about your communication skills and how you proactively reach out to external bank partners to strengthen connections, coordinate activities, and resolve any issues that impact the loan development process.

Share your organizational techniques, including keeping track of deadlines, preparing thorough documentation, and maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders to ensure the process runs smoothly.

Describe a specific example where you faced a challenging client interaction, how you approached the issue, and the strategies you employed to resolve it effectively while maintaining a professional demeanor.

Provide a summary of your knowledge related to the SBA guidelines, how you keep updated on any changes, and how you implement this knowledge in your day-to-day loan processing activities.

Connect your personal and professional values with those of Bankwell. Highlight your admiration for their community involvement, support for businesses, and dedication to customer service as reasons why you're eager to join the team.

Discuss the software and organizational tools you rely on to manage your daily tasks efficiently, explaining how they enhance productivity and collaboration with your team and external partners.