A Coleman Conversation: Shay Kleinschmidt

August 6, 2025

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

In this week’s episode of A Coleman Conversation, Bob Coleman sits down with Shay Kleinschmidt, Vice President of Lending at FranFund and a 2019 Coleman Emerging SBA Lender of the Year. Shay shares her unique path into small business lending, the rapid growth of franchise financing, and her thoughts on the strength and adaptability of entrepreneurs nationwide.

Watch episode here

Topics Covered:

✓ Shay’s leadership at FranFund, where she oversees all lending operations supporting franchisees and small business owners nationwide through SBA 7(a), ROBS, and other funding strategies
✓ How a Craigslist job posting and a copy of SBA Lending for Dummies launched her career in franchising and finance
✓ Why franchise businesses offer lenders more confidence through built-in support systems and proven models
✓ Her take on SBA lending in 2025, including the positive return of the SBA franchise directory and a growing but cautious borrower base
✓ Geographic and industry insights—where franchise growth is strongest (Texas, Florida), and which sectors are thriving (health & wellness, pets, service-based businesses, QSRs, and mental health)
✓ Her advice for young women entering SBA lending: “Network relentlessly, build relationships, and never stop learning”