Shay Kleinschmidt Named Coleman SBA Franchise Lender Professional of the Year

February 4, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Shay Kleinschmidt Named Coleman SBA Franchise Lender Professional of the Year

Shay Kleinschmidt is recognized as SBA Franchise Lender Professional of the Year for her leadership at FranFund, one of the nation’s most respected franchise financing platforms and Entrepreneur Magazine’s #1 Franchise Funding Supplier. Under her guidance, FranFund has helped fund thousands of franchise units nationwide through a disciplined, education-first approach that produces lender-ready loan packages, improves approval outcomes, and protects both franchisees and lending partners, especially in complex or emerging brand transactions. The firm’s diversified lender network and commitment to operational excellence have positioned it as a trusted partner across industries and credit profiles, with performance that would rank among the SBA’s top active lenders nationally if FranFund were a direct lender. With a culture grounded in compliance, credibility, and client experience, Shay and FranFund continue to set the benchmark for integrity and innovation in franchise lending.