Business Development Officer

Lafayette Square SBLC; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary with benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Mission-driven work

National exposure

Collaborative environment

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Lafayette Square SBLC is seeking a motivated and relationship-driven Business Development Officer to grow its SBA 7(a) lending portfolio nationwide, with a focus on underserved markets and working-class communities.

You will originate loans, build a robust referral network, guide borrowers through the SBA process, and collaborate with credit teams to structure loans that meet borrower needs and credit standards. The role emphasizes a measurable social mission and cross-market collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field.
• 3–5 years in business development or SBA/commercial lending.
• Strong SBA 7(a) knowledge and underwriting basics.
• Proven ability to source and close loans or generate new business.
• Commitment to economic inclusion and expanding capital access.

Responsibilities

• Originate SBA 7(a) loan opportunities with small businesses nationwide.
• Build a robust referral network with banks, brokers, CDFIs, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and community partners.
• Guide borrowers through the SBA lending process from inquiry to closing.
• Collaborate with credit and underwriting to structure loans meeting borrower needs and credit standards.
• Identify markets aligned with place-based, impact-driven investment strategy.
• Maintain CRM pipeline and deal flow records.
• Represent Lafayette Square at national and regional events and conferences.
• Stay current on SBA guidelines and underserved market trends.

Skills

SBA lending

Relationship building

CRM proficiency

Credit underwriting basics

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

MS Office

Job description

Business Development Officer

Lafayette Square SBLC | Nationwide (Offices Across the U.S.) | Full-Time

About Lafayette Square SBLC

Lafayette Square is a mission-driven, minority-owned private credit firm that lends capital to growing middle market companies in working-class places across America. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Miami, FL, Lafayette Square operates with a clear and measurable purpose: to invest in businesses that employ working-class people in communities that have historically been overlooked by private credit markets.

As an SBA-licensed Small Business Lending Company (SBLC), Lafayette Square is authorized to originate SBA 7(a) loans, expanding access to affordable capital for small business owners in underserved communities nationwide. The firm’s Goal 2030 commits to supporting 100,000 working-class jobs, deploying 50% of capital in working-class communities, and providing workforce benefits to 50% of its portfolio companies through its Worker Solutions platform.

Position Overview

Lafayette Square SBLC is seeking a motivated and relationship-driven Business Development Officer (BDO) to grow its SBA 7(a) lending portfolio and deepen its presence in underserved markets across the country. This role is critical to Lafayette Square’s mission of connecting small business owners in working-class communities with the capital they need to grow, create jobs, and build lasting economic opportunity.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in commercial or SBA lending, a passion for impact-driven finance, and a proven ability to identify and develop new business opportunities in non-traditional markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Originate and develop SBA 7(a) loan opportunities with small business owners in working-class and underserved communities nationwide
• Build and cultivate a robust referral network of bankers, brokers, CDFIs, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and community partners
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for small business borrowers by guiding them through the SBA lending process from initial inquiry to closing
• Collaborate with credit and underwriting teams to structure loans that meet both borrower needs and Lafayette Square’s credit standards
• Identify markets and industries aligned with Lafayette Square’s place-based, impact-driven investment strategy — including manufacturing, wholesale, transportation, construction, franchising, and healthcare
• Track and manage a pipeline of prospective borrowers using CRM tools, maintaining accurate records of outreach activity and deal flow
• Represent Lafayette Square at national and regional business events, industry conferences, and community engagement opportunities
• Stay current on SBA program guidelines, underserved market trends, and Lafayette Square’s evolving impact goals

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in business development, SBA lending, commercial lending, or a related field
• Strong working knowledge of SBA 7(a) loan programs, credit structuring, and underwriting fundamentals
• Demonstrated track record of sourcing and closing loans or generating new business
• Deep commitment to economic inclusion and expanding capital access in underserved communities
• Strong communication and relationship management skills across diverse markets and audiences
• Proficiency in CRM platforms and Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred:

• Prior experience with an SBLC, CDFI, BDC, or impact-focused lending institution
• Familiarity with place-based investing, community development finance, or working-class market dynamics
• Existing relationships within underserved or non-coastal business communities
• Experience working with middle market companies in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, or franchising

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, and retirement)
• Meaningful work aligned with a bold, measurable social mission
• Exposure to a growing, nationally recognized impact investment platform
• A collaborative, diverse, and entrepreneurial work environment
• Professional development and career growth opportunities