2025 SBA Lender Industry Coleman Awards Call for Nominations
Elevate Your Reputation: Seize the Spotlight in SBA Lending Excellence
Are you capitalizing on your SBA lending success? Coleman’s 2025 SBA Lender Professional Awards offer a golden opportunity to showcase your institution’s impact and leadership in empowering America’s entrepreneurs.
This isn’t just another accolade – it’s a powerful tool to:
• Boost your institution’s visibility among industry peers and potential clients
• Attract top talent by highlighting your commitment to excellence
• Differentiate your institution in a competitive marketplace
• Motivate your team and recognize their outstanding efforts
Our awards celebrate the lenders and professionals who are truly moving the needle in SBA lending. Your institution’s innovative approaches and dedication to small business success deserve recognition at the highest level.
The benefits of winning extend far beyond the trophy:
• Extensive media coverage and marketing opportunities
• Enhanced credibility with small business owners and referral partners
• Increased employee morale and retention
• A competitive edge in attracting new business relationships
Don’t let this opportunity slip away! The deadlines are approaching fast. Take action now:
1. Identify your institution’s standout SBA lending achievements
2. Nominate your top performers or your institution as a whole
3. Submit your entry in your preferred format.
Position your company at the forefront of SBA lending excellence. Nominate today and let the industry recognize the transformative impact you’re making for small businesses and communities nationwide.
Deadlines: December 13th for most categories; December 31st for BDOs!
Award Categories
Individual Awards
- Main Street Lender of the Year
- Mission-Based SBA Lender of the Year
- SBA 7(a) Lender of the Year
- SBA 504 Lender of the Year
- SBA Marketing Executive of the Year
- SBA Business Development Officer of the Year (Multiple Winners)
- SBA Fintech Lender of the Year
- SBA Export Lender of the Year
- SBA Hospitality Lender of the Year
- SBA Franchise Lender of the Year
- SBDC Executive of the Year
- Rural Main Street Lender of the Year
- SBA Secondary Market Executive of the Year
- SBA Industry Podcaster of the Year
- SBA Lender Service Provider Executive of the Year
- Emerging SBA Lender of the Year (Under 40) (Multiple Winners)
- SBA Vendor of the Year
Lender Awards
- Best Bank SBA Lender
- Best Non-Bank SBA Lender
- Best Credit Union SBA Lender
- Best Mission-Based SBA Lender
- Best SBDC
The Nomination Application Process
Are you ready to shine a spotlight on your SBA lending achievements? The time has come to nominate your institution and top performers for our esteemed SBA lending awards. This year, we’ve expanded our categories to celebrate even more success stories across the industry.
Why You Can’t Miss This Opportunity:
- Effortless Nomination Process: We’ve streamlined the process to respect your valuable time. Simply answer three key questions to make your case.
- Articulate why your nominee deserves recognition
- Provide compelling statistics to support your case
- Share a powerful case study or testimonial that brings your application to life
- Peer Recognition: Your nomination will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of past winners, ensuring fair and knowledgeable judging.
- Multiple Chances to Win: With numerous categories and award slots, your institution has more opportunities than ever to be recognized.
- No Financial Barrier: Nominations are completely free to submit, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
- Showcase Your Team: For institutional awards, highlight the collective brilliance of your top performers.
- National Exposure: Winners and finalists will be featured in industry publications, boosting your SBA lending profile.
- Exclusive Celebration: Join fellow industry leaders at our events in Orlando this March (attendance optional for most categories).
How to Craft a Winning Nomination:
- Articulate why your nominee deserves recognition
- Provide compelling statistics to support your case
- Share a powerful case study or testimonial that brings your application to life
Don’t let this chance to elevate your institution’s reputation slip away. Submit your nominations today and position your institution among the best in the business.
Ready to claim your spot in SBA lending excellence? Click below to start your nomination process now!
Here is the fine print:
• Zero entry fee – showcase your excellence without financial barriers
• Esteemed judging panel of past winners – your peers recognize true talent
• Special “Emerging SBA Lender” category for rising stars under 40
• Prestigious awards ceremony in March in Orlando – network with industry leaders
• Exclusive summit for SBA BDO winners (Sponsored by Community Bank & Trust)
Nominating statements and/or testimonials should address why the nominee should be honored and how the nominee has made a positive impact in the SBA lending and small business lending community.
A compelling case study of a specific accomplishment or solution to a problem will be scored highly. Judges also react very favorably to any testimonials provided.
Submit your entry today and position yourself among the elite in SBA lending.
Awards Ceremony, March 13, 2025
The Winners Ceremony Luncheon will be held Thursday, March 13 2025 in Orlando.
Luncheon Sponsorship Opportunity
We are open to one Platinum Sponsor for the Winners Ceremony Luncheon. If interested, please contact Bob Coleman at bob@colemanreport.com or (818) 974-8934.
SBA BDO 2025 Summit, March 14, 2025
SBA BDO Winners will be invited to attend the SBA 2025 BDO Summit on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Orlando. BDO winners will be comped for the summit. However, SBA BDO winners must attend the summit to receive their award.
Summit Sponsored by Community Bank & Trust
Community Bank & Trust is the Platinum Sponsor for the SBA BDO Summit in 2025.