Lending Advisor

Lending Advisor

Reports to: Entrepreneurship Development Manager, Capital

Location: Alberta (Hybrid) |

ABOUT ALBERTA WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) supports women entrepreneurs at every stage of their business through Access to funds, Women’s community and connections, and Essential learning and training. Our vision is that Alberta’s women entrepreneurs drive economic growth and achieve success on their own terms.

AWE is guided by six core values: Respect, Trust, Inclusion, Client Focused, Curiosity, and Collaboration. AWE strives to be a trusted advisor and provider of services for its clients, THE voice for the community of women entrepreneurs in Alberta, and a thriving, future-focused organization — values that shape every role within the team.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Lending Advisor is a client-facing role at the heart of AWE’s lending programs. This position supports women entrepreneurs through every step of the loan journey — from initial conversation and application through to disbursement and post-loan care — combining financial expertise with a genuine commitment to each client’s success.

The Lending Advisor builds meaningful, trust-based relationships with clients, helps them navigate AWE’s loan programs and broader entrepreneurial support ecosystem, and ensures that every interaction reflects AWE’s commitment to being a trusted advisor for women entrepreneurs across Alberta.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACTIVITIES

Client Engagement & Advising

• Build and maintain genuine, trust-based relationships with prospective and current loan clients throughout their entrepreneurial journey
• Meet with clients to understand their needs, goals, and business context; discuss strategies, available resources, and AWE’s loan programs
• Assess loan readiness and guide clients through AWE’s application process with clarity, empathy, and professionalism
• Review business plans, financial projections, and financial statements as part of the loan assessment process
• Provide clients with tailored options including AWE loan programs, capacity building, advising referrals, and other relevant resources
• Balance empathy and objectivity when working with clients — offering realistic, respectful feedback that supports their decision-making
• Adapt communication styles to meet each client where they are, building trust and ensuring clients feel heard, safe, and supported

Loan Assessment & Processing

• Conduct thorough loan application reviews including assessment of financial statements, cash flow projections, and business plans
• Prepare loan reviews, credit risk assessments, and written recommendations for review and finalization by the Entrepreneurship Development Manager, Capital prior to submission to the Loan Committee
• Conduct searches (credit, property title, corporate, personal) and perform amortization simulations
• Interpret credit bureau reports and assess risk to determine business viability
• Maintain accurate and complete client relationship records in AWE’s CRM, adhering to AWE’s privacy and confidentiality requirements; loan administration data is maintained by the Finance & Operations Coordinator
• Conduct loan documentation review and identification meetings with clients
• Request and confirm information from lenders, solicitors, bookkeepers, and accountants with client consent

Post-Loan Support & Client Care

• Provide ongoing support and communication to clients following loan disbursement, including account inquiries, financial guidance, and check-ins
• Assist clients in understanding their financial statements, repayment obligations, and credit risk factors
• Conduct after-loan business support including virtual or in-person client visits where appropriate
• Collaborate with the broader AWE team to connect loan clients with relevant learning programs, advising services, and community resources
• Escalate any client account concerns, missed payments, or changes in client circumstances to the Entrepreneurship Development Manager, Capital for follow-up

Community Representation & Collaboration

• Represent AWE’s loan programs in the community, building awareness and positive relationships with entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners
• Stay informed of market conditions, business trends, and external factors that influence client business success
• Collaborate with the AWE team to identify opportunities for improving client processes and the overall lending experience
• Contribute to the delivery of learning sessions and client-facing events as needed

AWE VALUES IN ACTION

In this role, you will be expected to bring AWE’s values to life in every client interaction and team contribution:

• Respect — Recognize the inherent worth of every client and colleague; approach every conversation with care and regard for individual circumstances
• Trust — Act with integrity and openness; protect client and organizational information and hold yourself accountable in all actions
• Inclusion — Ensure every client feels valued, respected, and has a sense of belonging in AWE’s programs; actively support equity-deserving entrepreneurs
• Client Focused — Commit fully to providing the resources and support clients need to achieve their full potential
• Curiosity — Continuously seek to understand your clients’ unique journeys and look for ways to improve service, knowledge, and approach
• Collaboration — Work closely with teammates, partners, and stakeholders to maximize the value AWE brings to the women it serves

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education in business, finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in small business lending, business advising, or a related client-facing financial role
• Demonstrated ability to read, analyze, and prepare financial reports
• Ability to perform cash flow projections, interpret credit bureau reports, and assess business viability
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint)
• Experience with CRM or loan management systems is an asset

Considered Assets:

• Familiarity with Alberta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and women-focused funding programs
• Personal experience as an entrepreneur or small business owner
• Experience working with or supporting equity-deserving entrepreneurs
• Experience developing or delivering business learning content

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong client relationship skills with an ability to build trust and communicate in a way that makes others feel heard and supported
• Sound financial analysis skills including the ability to assess credit risk and business viability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare clear, accurate, and professional documentation
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with attention to detail
• Creative problem solver with a client-centred approach and the ability to adapt to each client’s unique circumstances
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery and workplace culture
• Adaptable and resourceful; able to manage changing priorities, processes, and technologies
• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of personal accountability
• Demonstrated professionalism and integrity in handling confidential client and organizational information

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hybrid working arrangement — combination of in-office and remote work
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends for AWE programs, events, and client needs
• Occasional travel within Alberta
• Repetitive use of computer and electronic equipment
• Role involves managing emotionally sensitive client situations which may require empathy and conflict resolution skills
• Fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent priorities

DISCLAIMER

This position description indicates representative responsibilities and specifications of the position and should not be considered an exhaustive list. The incumbent may perform other duties as assigned. This job description will be reviewed and updated at the annual performance review or as otherwise required.