Dear B:Side Community,

As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the new year, I stand in awe of the remarkable journey we have embarked upon together. Reflecting on the past year, my heart is full of gratitude for each of our Board Members, Loan Review Committee Members, and particularly our exceptional staff, whose unwavering dedication and hard work have been pivotal in advancing B:Side’s mission and uplifting the small business communities we are so proud to serve.

In the past year, we’ve taken significant strides that deserve celebration. We’ve provided essential fee relief to 504 borrowers, easing their burdens in these trying times. Under the strategic guidance of our newest Director, Rachel Russell, we have restructured the LSP for robust growth and expansion, positioning us for future success.

We have strengthened our leadership core, adding seasoned managers who bring a wealth of experience and insight. Our outstanding team members have not gone unnoticed, as exemplified by Briana Rickertsen’s well-deserved recognition as CDC Employee of the Year by NADCO.

Our advocacy efforts reached new heights with our visit to Washington D.C., where we had the honor of discussing the B:Side Fund with esteemed members of both the Senate and the House. These interactions are invaluable as we seek to forge stronger connections and advocate for the small businesses we champion.

Our expansion has been fueled by the recruitment of phenomenal new Client Relations Officers, including Spencer Monroe in Utah, Monica McCaslin in New Mexico, and Paul Stan in Colorado. These individuals are pivotal in deepening our roots in Colorado and branching out into new markets with the same level of dedication and excellence, under the leadership of Lauren Peterson, who was promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing. 

With pride, we celebrated the promotion of Laurel Walk to Chief Operating Officer, a testament to the growth and development within our ranks.

The B:Side Fund has been acknowledged as an emerging CDFI, a recognition that speaks volumes about our impact and potential. We have fostered new relationships and nurtured existing ones, paving the way for future investment opportunities. Our strategic implementation of an investment strategy for cash reserves is already yielding tangible benefits, maximizing interest earned and bolstering our financial foundation.

Our continuous focus on improving infrastructure and efficiency ensures that we remain at the forefront of innovation and service excellence.

As we forge ahead into 2024, our focus remains steadfast on growth, leadership, and efficiency. We are committed to cultivating the B:Side Way, our unique set of values that distinguishes our brand in the marketplace. With the robust development of the B:Side Fund, we are set to dramatically scale our impact.

Facing an uncertain macroeconomic landscape, we will continue to prioritize relationship building and deepening our organizational intelligence to navigate the challenges ahead.

I am filled with optimism for the journey that lies before us in 2024. Together, with our collective talent and determination, we will scale new heights and achieve even greater success, all in the spirit of empowering small businesses to grow and thrive.

Please look forward to our 2023 Annual Report, which will highlight the fruitful partnerships and profound impact we’ve achieved together with the small business community. Also, explore our new blogs for insightful content that supports both lenders and entrepreneurs.

Thank you for your unwavering support and for being an integral part of this journey. Here’s to a prosperous and impactful 2024!

Warm regards,

Christopher Myers

CEO, B:Side Capital & B:Side Fund

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