About this course

Inclusiv’s Small Business Capital Initiative helps credit unions build and grow effective small business lending programs. Designed for lenders committed to serving their communities, the initiative expands access to safe, affordable capital for entrepreneurs while strengthening local economies. This course equips staff with the tools to position their credit union as a trusted partner and driver of small business growth.

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify opportunities, stakeholders, and actors involved in the implementation of expanding a small business lending program.


  • Understand the regulatory framework by NCUA and SBA Express, and the details involved in the implementation of a full cycle of small business lending. 


  • Understand the processes and requirements to work with third party loan processors and Inclusiv-selected CUSO.


  • Use guarantee programs and Inclusiv credit enhancement as tools for risk management.


  • Integrate the Loan Participation Marketplace as buyer and seller.


  • Identify the main components to manage small business lending portfolios.


  • Apply the content of this program into an Implementation Plan tailored to the needs of their financial institution.  


Course Details & Eligibility

This is an instructor-led course that features 8 weeks of live virtual class sessions, covering a total of 8 modules. Participants can expect to spend 3-6 hours per week on this course.

  • Open to:

    Inclusiv member and nonmember credit unions who would like to launch or expand their small business lending programs.

  • Participant limit:

    We recommend enrolling in teams of 2. A maximum of 3 participants per financial institution will be admitted.

  • Tuition:

    Discounts available for Inclusiv members and group rates. See below for more information.

  • Language:

    Offered in English.

Tuition

Inclusiv members receive a 40% discount on instructor-led courses. Members with assets under $100M receive additional discounts. For group discounts, reach out to [email protected].

Upcoming Cohorts & Registration

Cohort 6: April 1st- May 27th, Wednesdays 3-4:30pm EST. 


Course curriculum

    1. Navigating the LMS Platform

    1. Orientation Session *Optional* 3/23

    2. Course Syllabus, Overview, Objectives

    3. Curriculum Gallery Walk

    4. Course Expectations

    5. Meet Your Instructor & Administrator

    6. Technology Requirements and Support Services

    7. Profile Picture & Notification Preferences

    8. Maximize Your Mobile Experience

    9. Course Waiver

    10. Capstone Project Template & Guide: Implementation Plan

    11. Course Pre-Test

    12. Welcome to Inclusiv's Small Business Capital Initiative Training

    1. Small Business Lending Capital Initiative Training

    2. Defining a Small Business

    3. How Do Small Businesses Shape Our Economy?

    4. Internal & External Stakeholders, Part 1: The Gloria Problem

    5. Internal & External Stakeholders, Part 2: The Gloria Problem

    6. Assignment: Reflecting on the Ecosystem

    7. Intro to Small Business Ecosystem

    8. Assignment: Small Business Profiles

    9. Assignment: Identify Key Stakeholders

    10. Toolbox: Pre-Work

    11. Live Session 1! (4/1)

    1. Who Are Our Borrowers? How Do We Work With Them?

    2. Theory of Change

    3. What Motivates Individuals to Become Entrepreneurs?

    4. The Local Multiplier Effect - Part 1

    5. The Local Multiplier Effect - Part 2

    6. Baby Boomers & Gen X

    7. Gen Y & Gen Z

    8. Assignment: Identifying Small Business Owners/Borrowers

    9. Toolbox: Learning About The Borrower

    10. Live Session 2! (4/8)

    1. *Live Virtual Class Session*

    2. Small Business Lending, Regulatory Framework & Risk Management

    3. Quiz: Knowledge Check (SBA quiz)

    4. Assignment: Small Business Lending Criteria

    5. Assignment: Credit Policy Reflection

    6. Live Session 3! (4/15)

    1. *Live Virtual Class Session*

    2. Intro to Small Business Credit & Loan Intake

    3. 5 C's of Credit

    4. The Loan Lifecycle

    5. The Loan Lifecycle

    6. Site Visit Best Practices: Newark Walkthrough

    7. Loan Intake & Document Collection

    8. Credit Report Interpretations: Personal & Business

    9. Intro To Small Business Credit & Loan Intake

    10. Quiz: Credit and Business Formation

    11. Assignment: Credit Union Policy Best Practices

    12. Toolbox: Loan Intake

    13. Live Session 4! (4/22)

About this course

  • Non-member price: $2,000
  • Member price: $1,200
  • Additional discounts available for small CUs and groups

Instructor

Azra Samiee

Director of Small Business Lending and Development

Azra has over 15 years of experience working in community-based organizations dedicated to addressing inequity through programs that increase accessibility and mobility for under-resourced communities. She began her career in the CDFI space at Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union and Grow Brooklyn, giving her deep insights into the power of engagement strategies in driving an organization’s mission forward. Azra also served as the Senior Director of the Small Business Program at Hot Bread Kitchen, where she led the development and implementation of multiple programs supporting entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses, collaborating closely with a network of CDFI partners including credit union. She also previously led Community and Member Engagement, driving strategic partnerships with community organizations and city agencies. In her role with Inclusiv, Azra supports implementing Business Forward program in addition to loan participation and scaling small business lending throughout Inclusiv’s network.