Tucson IDA / Groundswell Capital Community Lending Associate Tucson, AZ · Full time

Apply for Community Lending Associate

The Tucson Industrial Development Authority (Tucson IDA) is a quasi-governmental nonprofit organization whose mission is to enable strategic economic and community development by providing financing and access to capital for projects and programs that benefit a thriving Tucson. Our subsidiary, Groundswell Capital is a nonprofit lending organization focuses on sustainable economic development and access to capital.

Community Lending Associate

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Reports To: Director of Impact Lending 

Position Overview

Groundswell Capital is seeking a bilingual, community-oriented professional to help small businesses access capital and business resources.

This position serves as the first point of contact for entrepreneurs seeking loans, grants, and technical assistance. The successful candidate will receive extensive training in small business finance, underwriting, customer service, and community development lending.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys helping people, wants to build a career in finance or economic development, and is passionate about supporting Southern Arizona's entrepreneurs.

Primary Responsibilities

Client Outreach & Community Engagement

• Attend community events, workshops, and networking activities
• Build relationships with local entrepreneurs
• Conduct outreach in English and Spanish
• Explain available lending and grant programs
• Represent Groundswell Capital in the community

Client Intake & Application Support

• Meet with prospective borrowers
• Help applicants gather required documents
• Review applications for completeness
• Enter client information into lending systems
• Schedule appointments and follow-up meetings

Financial Document Collection

• Collect tax returns, bank statements, financial statements, and business records
• Organize client files
• Track missing documentation
• Prepare files for underwriting review

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate client records
• Update loan management software
• Assist with reporting requirements
• Track client outcomes and program metrics

Business Support

• Connect entrepreneurs to coaching and technical assistance resources
• Assist with workshops and trainings
• Provide exceptional customer service
• Support special projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Fluent Spanish and English
• Associate degree, certificate program, vocational training, or equivalent experience
• Basic knowledge of business operations
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to perform basic business math
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to attend evening and weekend events

What We Will Teach You

Successful candidates will receive training in:

• Small business lending
• Loan underwriting
• Financial statement analysis
• Credit analysis
• Cash flow analysis
• Business coaching fundamentals
• Community development finance
• SBA and CDFI lending practices
• Customer relationship management

Traits That Matter Most

More important than experience, we are looking for someone who is:

• Curious
• Coachable
• Friendly
• Professional
• Organized
• Ethical
• Resilient
• Comfortable talking with strangers
• Passionate about helping entrepreneurs succeed