SBA Business Lending Specialist

Company Overview

Dogwood, a Division of TowneBank, has been named a Best Employer for multiple consecutive years and is driven by a passion for serving members and communities. Our team delivers exceptional financial services through branches and online offerings across the Carolinas. This role will be included in the merger with TowneBank and will become a TowneBank position upon conversion in late 2026.

Primary Purpose

The SBA Business Lending Specialist develops new loan volume via the SBA and USDA B&I Loan Programs. This position requires continuous marketing efforts to establish contacts and leads, generating a strong referral network. The role establishes effective and efficient work processes with external and internal partners to identify new SBA prospects, convert prospects to applications, and manage loans through the credit and closing processes, serving the Southeast and Mid‑Atlantic regions.

Essential Responsibilities

• Read and understand the SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Develop a successful business plan.
• Work independently without daily supervision.
• Develop effective and efficient processes to manage the loan pipeline and submit applications in a timely manner.
• Develop marketing strategies using all available tools and resources to identify markets and penetrate new business.
• Build a contact base of at least 1,000 current and potential referral sources.
• Win business by building value, loan structure, and relationship development.
• Review the entire loan process from application to closing, set and manage expectations.
• Develop and nurture effective working relationships with internal partners.
• Provide a complete and well‑thought‑out package to credit.
• Source over $2,500,000 per month in new loan application volume.
• Implement excellent time management.
• Keep borrowers, business partners, and referral sources well informed and maintain proper expectations.
• Work in conjunction with conventional bankers for referrals and support members’ needs.
• Read, understand, and interpret credit guidelines.
• Determine loan eligibility per current SBA SOP.
• Structure financing packages to meet borrower needs, comply with credit guidelines, and be closable.
• Read and interpret business and personal tax returns; perform initial spreads for use of proceeds, cash flow, and collateral coverage.
• Interpret business financial statements.
• Read business plans and financial projections, judging completeness and efficacy.
• Read and interpret personal financial statements, credit reports, and D&B reports.
• Interpret financial data required for loan applications.
• Identify closing issues that may negatively impact a loan request.
• Provide borrowers and business partners with the correct preliminary closing checklist based on loan type and transaction.
• Assist in closing and in the collection of needed documentation.
• Adhere to applicable federal laws, rules, and regulations, including Anti‑Money Laundering (AML) and the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).
• Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of this classification.

Minimum Required Skills & Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of banking experience in guaranteed government lending.
• Previous business development experience.
• Deep knowledge of the SBA’s SOP and related regulations.
• Network of contacts within the SBA and related organizations.
• Knowledge and ability to use SBA systems to maintain the bank’s PLP SBA status.
• Ability to coach and develop staff.
• Strategic thinking about staff, competitive position, and market actions.
• Knowledge of business development planning and management at an office level.
• Skill in managing risk‑management controls and activities of a lending office.
• Thorough knowledge of lending policies and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial banking services.
• Excellent managerial, communication, and sales skills.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency with computer software required to fulfill principal responsibilities.
• Familiarity with online computer systems.
• Proficiency with statement‑spreading programs.
• Strong professional appearance, dress, attitude, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to perform independently with minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements

• Express or exchange ideas verbally and via email.
• Occasionally exert up to 10 pounds of force; use arms and legs; sit most of the time.
• Close visual acuity for analyzing data, viewing a computer terminal, reading, and preparing documentation.
• Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential responsibilities.