A Coleman Conversation: Carissa Sousa
November 26, 2025
Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher
A Coleman Conversation: Carissa Sousa
In this week’s episode of A Coleman Conversation, Bob Coleman sits down with Carissa Sousa, AVP at Shoreham Bank in Warwick, Rhode Island, to discuss her rapid rise in government-guaranteed lending, the bank’s nationwide SBA strategy, and how thoughtful guideline tightening is attracting stronger borrowers. Carissa shares her journey from intern to AVP, the lessons she learned navigating lending through PPP, and why she’s passionate about helping small businesses secure the financing they need to grow. She also explains Shoreham Bank’s approach to hospitality, SBA, and USDA lending, the impact of the 2024 SBA small-loan guidance changes, and the importance of educating loan brokers entering the space.
Topics Covered:
✓ Shoreham Bank’s nationwide SBA footprint and focus on hospitality and small-loan programs
✓ How tightened SBA small-loan guidance is reshaping borrower quality and underwriting standards
✓ Carissa’s journey from bank intern to AVP (and how underwriting shaped her lending philosophy)
✓ Why Carissa finds fulfillment in helping small businesses grow, expand, and pay off their loans
✓ Shoreham Bank’s outreach to MCA brokers and the opportunity to educate new SBA-interested brokers
✓ Success stories, including a gelato shop funded through the bank’s first sub-$150K 7(a) program