Work With Us!
At Venture North, our work begins with people: entrepreneurs with vision, grit, and a deep commitment to their communities.
Since our inception, we have stood beside small business owners across northwest Michigan, especially those navigating barriers to traditional financing and resources. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), our mission is rooted in access, partnership, and possibility. When you join our team, you become part of that mission, supporting farmers, makers, childcare providers, innovators, and neighbors who are building stronger local economies. If you’re passionate about meaningful work, collaborative problem-solving, and helping small business dreams take root and grow, we invite you to explore opportunities with us below.
Small Business Lender & Coach
Venture North Funding & Development – Northwest Michigan
Do you love helping small business owners, opening doors for people, and solving real problems? Do you know the small business community in Northwest Michigan — the entrepreneurs, community leaders, and local organizations — by name? Have you built relationships, earned trust, and helped things get done? Venture North Funding & Development is looking for someone exactly like that.
As a mission-driven nonprofit and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Venture North provides low-cost loans and no-cost consulting to help small businesses grow, especially those that may not qualify for traditional financing. The Small Business Lender & Coach role is highly community-focused and deeply rewarding — centered on building relationships, generating referrals, and guiding business owners through the lending and support process so they can access the capital and resources they need to thrive.
What You’ll Do
Conduct grassroots, in-person outreach to build trust and awareness of Venture North services
Build relationships with small business owners, community partners, small business service providers and local organizations throughout Grand Traverse, Manistee, Leelanau, and Benzie counties
Generate referrals and cultivate a steady pipeline of potential borrowers
Guide prospective clients through the loan application process
Participate in lending activities including coordinating loan documentation, presenting to loan committee, closing activities, and disbursement of funds.
Manage a loan portfolio, assisting with the collection of financial statements, site visits, etc
Connect businesses to consulting and technical assistance resources
Who This Role Is Perfect For
A current or former small business owner, business liaison, community leader or community lender
Someone with strong roots and connections in the region including in Grand Traverse, Manistee, Leelanau, and Benzie counties
A natural relationship builder who enjoys helping people and being out in the field
Someone who understands the challenges small businesses face and enjoys solving problems
Someone with a working knowledge of financial statements, including balance sheets and profit and loss (P&L) statements, with the ability to interpret key financial indicators
Someone with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
3–5+ years of experience in community development, small business, economic development, nonprofit work, banking, or related fields
Lending experience is helpful but not required as the person in this role will be connected with an excellent team of colleagues with cross-functional expertise
What We Offer
Salary: commensurate with experience
Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
401(k) with 7% employer match
Remote work and flexible work schedule
Unlimited PTO plus 11 paid holidays
The opportunity to do meaningful, community-centered work every day