Beyond Transactions: A Different Approach to Small Business Lending

Lending at the Entrepreneur Fund begins with listening.

From the first conversation, our Lending Advisors work alongside business owners to understand where they are today and help guide what comes next. As a mission‑driven lender and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving Minnesota and Wisconsin, EFund strengthens businesses through disciplined capital, trusted guidance, and value‑add partnerships. The Lending Advisor role is where that approach comes to life.

More Than a Loan

When business owners reach out to EFund, they’re often navigating an important moment: planning for growth, adjusting course, or preparing for what comes next. The process begins with understanding their goals and assessing the opportunities ahead.

Working as trusted guides and capital strategists, EFund Lending Advisors help weigh options and structure the right path forward, often before financing is even part of the conversation.

“My 20 years working in commercial banking with community banks and credit unions have shaped how I approach this work,” said Stacey Smith, EFund Lending Advisor for the Duluth/Superior area. “I’m passionate about the advising aspect and helping small business owners reach their goals and bridging the gap between traditional financing and what businesses actually need to move forward.”

That approach defines EFund’s work with business owners. Rather than focusing solely on transactions, Lending Advisors partner with owners to think strategically about growth, manage risk, and make decisions with the long term in mind.

Where Advising and Capital Come Together

When business owners work with an EFund Lending Advisor, the relationship is designed to evolve alongside the business.

As that partnership develops, it takes on a consistent shape. Business owners working with EFund can expect their Lending Advisor to:

• Partner with them through start‑up, growth, and transition stages
• Assess opportunities, risk, and timing—not just eligibility
• Structure capital solutions that may involve multiple partners
• Support stronger decision‑making and long‑term performance
• Identify the right mix of EFund and other funding sources
• Build a relationship that extends well beyond a single transaction

The result is a lending experience grounded in trust, clarity, and long‑term partnership, one that supports both individual businesses and the communities they serve.

“Working with business owners across northern Wisconsin, I’ve seen how the right financing at the right moment can shift the entire course of a company,” said Jeff Larson, EFund Lending Advisor based in Rhinelander, WI. “Our team is deeply committed to the communities we serve. We live here, we work here, and we believe in the strength of the region.”

We’re Growing Our Lending Advisor Team

As our work continues to expand, EFund is hiring three(3) Lending Advisors to join our team. These roles are an opportunity to do meaningful, relationship‑driven work alongside business owners, helping guide growth, navigate change, and strengthen communities.

All roles report to our Duluth office, with a focus on serving the following regions:‍

• ‍Duluth/Superior market
• Central Minnesota‍
  
  • Providing coverage in Benton, Crow Wing, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Morrison, Stearns, and Todd Counties.‍
• Northern Minnesota‍
  
  • Providing coverage in Itasca, Koochiching, Cass and Aitkin Counties, and portions of western St. Louis County.

Interested in Applying?

If this work resonates with you, or with someone in your network, we’d love to connect.

• Download the job description here.‍
• Apply by emailing: Cara Bartel atcara@bartelsearch.com

Join us in building stronger businesses, supporting local communities, and shaping a more resilient regional economy.