A Coleman Conversation: Frank Gallegos
November 5, 2025
Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher
A Coleman Conversation: Frank Gallegos
In this week’s episode of A Coleman Conversation, Bob Coleman sits down with Frank Gallegos, Executive Director of Cen Cal Business Finance Group in Fresno, to discuss his journey from SBA lender to leading one of California’s most impactful Certified Development Companies. Frank shares how Cen Cal drives small-business growth across the Central Valley through the 504 loan program, supports rural and agricultural communities, and continues to expand its reach through recent acquisitions in Santa Maria and Bakersfield. He also offers insights on the region’s evolving economy, from automation and AI to the challenges of tariffs, water access, and workforce costs.
Topics Covered:
✓ Frank’s career path from early SBA lending and banking to leading Cen Cal Business Finance Group, one of California’s most active CDCs
✓ Strategic CDC acquisitions in Santa Maria and Bakersfield that expanded Cen Cal’s footprint and preserved 504 access in underserved rural markets
✓ How the Central Valley’s agricultural economy—from nut and citrus processing to cold storage—drives community jobs and national food supply chains
✓ The top challenges facing small businesses today, including rising tariffs on imports, water limitations, and higher labor costs
✓ The growing role of automation and AI in improving productivity within agriculture and lending while maintaining customer data protection
✓ New microloan programs and city partnerships designed to expand capital access for small and emerging businesses across the Valley