Sr. Specialty Lending Closing Officer, VSBA Closing USA

Who We Are:
VelocitySBA provides small business owners with access to growth capital through the SBA loan program. Having access to small business financing can give you the security and freedom to focus on other aspects of running your business. We can help you purchase commercial real estate and equipment, provide growth capital financing, deliver debt refinance solutions, aide with business acquisition/partner buyout, and assist small business owners with their startups.

What’s in it for You:
VelocitySBA is one of the fastest growing SBA lending institutions in the country and is actively seeking motivated individuals interested in a career in business finance. Areas of opportunity include sales/business development, underwriting, closing, servicing, marketing and more as our organization very actively implements our national growth strategy. VelocitySBA offers distinctly a team culture that is more synergistic and collaborative than typical for financial institutions, creating a stimulating and enjoyable workplace environment. Candidates joining the VelocitySBA team can expect professional development and growth working alongside the best SBA professionals in the industry. Become a part of our team and immerse yourself in a company that fosters a Great Place to Work™ culture!

What You’ll Do:
The Senior Specialty Lending Closing Officer is responsible for leading the closing process for complex and specialty SBA loan transactions—including franchise start ups, construction and build out projects, and multi disbursement loan structures—while ensuring full compliance with SBA SOPs, internal credit policy, closing standards, eligibility rules, and regulatory requirements. This role functions as a subject matter expert in franchise and project based lending, providing advanced guidance to junior closing staff, sales teams, underwriters, third party disbursement agents, general contractors, franchisors, and other external partners throughout the closing and funding cycle.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Loan Closing & Documentation
◦ Lead the closing of SBA transactions from credit approval through funding.
◦ Review SBA Terms & Conditions, credit memos, underwriting analyses, and closing conditions to confirm accuracy and eligibility.
◦ Prepare closing documents including Note, Guarantee, Security Instruments, UCC filings, Compliance Agreements, and SBA required forms.
◦ Ensure proper execution of all SBA-required documents and verify consistency across all closing packages.
◦ Review settlement statements, escrow instructions, and wire requests for accuracy.
• Specialty Lending
◦ Lead the closing and funding process for franchise start up loans, including new unit development, remodels, and expansion projects.
◦ Review and validate franchise agreements, FDD requirements, franchisor approval letters, development schedules, and project budgets to ensure SBA eligibility and compliance.
◦ Coordinate with franchisors to confirm brand requirements, construction timelines, training schedules, and any franchisor mandated documentation prior to closing.
◦ Ensure all franchise specific SBA requirements are satisfied, including franchise addenda, affiliation analysis, and brand related eligibility criteria.
◦ Oversee complex construction and build out loan structures, including multi phase disbursements, retainage requirements, and progress based funding.
◦ Review construction contracts, contractor bids, project budgets, permits, insurance certificates, lien waivers, and draw schedules for accuracy and SBA compliance.
◦ Validate contractor eligibility, licensing, and insurance requirements, ensuring alignment with SBA SOP standards.
◦ Monitor project milestones and proactively manage timelines to ensure disbursements occur within SBA approval and eligibility windows.
◦ Serve as the primary liaison with third party disbursement companies, title/escrow officers, and construction management firms to facilitate accurate and timely disbursements.
◦ Review and approve draw requests, verifying documentation such as invoices, progress inspections, lien releases, and change orders.
◦ Ensure all disbursement activity is fully documented and consistent with SBA SOP requirements, internal credit policy, and project budgets.
◦ Identify and escalate risks related to construction delays, cost overruns, contractor issues, or franchisor related changes that may impact eligibility or funding.
◦ Conduct detailed reviews of equity injection timing, ensuring proper verification for project based transactions where equity must be injected prior to or during construction.
◦ Maintain ongoing communication with borrowers, contractors, fr