Small Business Lending

How to access capital with SBAs, Grants, CDFIs. Hear from expert lending and economic development professionals and advocates. 

This Breakout Session is taking place at 11am.

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Ayan Abdinur

Ayan Abdinur is the new Director of Lending at WomenVenture, bringing over a decade of experience in community lending, economic development, and financial education. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs and underserved communities access capital, build financial stability, and grow sustainable businesses. Ayan holds an MBA in Project Management and has worked extensively with small businesses and immigrant communities across Minnesota.

 

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Ger Thao

Ger Thao is an accomplished economic development professional with extensive experience in community-driven prosperity initiatives, particularly for underserved immigrant and refugee populations. With a deep commitment to fostering shared prosperity, Ger has held leadership positions that have allowed him to build and manage programs that promote economic mobility, financial services, and business development.
Currently serving as the Economic Prosperity Director at Hmong American Partnership (HAP) in Saint Paul, MN. Ger leads innovative economic development strategies, including overseeing a portfolio of microloans, business technical assistance, and entrepreneurial workshops. He works closely with diverse stakeholders—ranging from government entities to community organizations—strengthening partnerships that advance the organization’s mission of improving the lives of immigrants, refugees, and low-income families.
Ger has successfully cultivated relationships with key strategic partners, including Community Development Corporations (CDCs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), to enhance access to financial resources and business opportunities for Southeast Asian and other immigrant communities. His leadership in CDFI certification and financial services, paired with his expertise in program management, has resulted in the deployment of millions of dollars in microloans and educational programs that support entrepreneurship and small business development.
In his previous roles, Ger served as Director of Operations and Project Manager at the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, where he designed market-responsive loan products, led business development efforts, and managed multi-faceted programs. Ger’s experience spans overseeing loan portfolios, securing grants, and leading teams, all while ensuring fiscal responsibility and adherence to regulations.
Fluent in both Hmong and English, Ger has a strong cultural competency that enables him to effectively communicate and build trust with diverse communities. His background in finance, economic development, and supply chain management, combined with his passion for empowering communities, positions him as a dynamic leader in the field of economic prosperity and community development.
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Josh Chacon

Blaze Credit Union

Josh Chacon is a Commercial Loan Officer with more than a decade of experience helping businesses and real estate investors meet their financial needs. He’s known for his steady, straightforward approach and for making the lending process feel clear and manageable by focusing on each client’s goals and vision. Josh values long term relationships and enjoys finding solutions that create real progress. He also serves on the Board of the Blaze Credit Union Foundation, supporting community development.

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Matt Moore

Commercial Business Development

Old National Bank

I am an SBA Lender specializing in Small Business Administration 7a loans. I have been in the industry for over a decade and enjoy helping clients meet their lending needs.

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Johan Gomez Sang

VP, Community Business Banker

Old National Bank

With more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Johan began his U.S. banking career as a Personal Banker at Wells Fargo. He later joined Minnesota Bank & Trust as a Consumer Lending Officer and currently serves as a Community Business Banker at Old National Bank, where he supports entrepreneurs and small business owners with lending solutions and financial guidance.

 

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