EGF Assistant Vice President Sherri Falck is passionate about working with small business owners to help them reach their businesses goals. As a member of EGF’s Business Advisory Services team, Sherri assists business owners throughout the loan process and also manages partnership development efforts in Western and Central New York. Learn more about Sherri and what she enjoys most about working with small business owners.
1. What is your role at EGF?
I’m Assistant Vice President and member of the Business Advisory Services team at EGF. Part of my job includes going out in the community to meet with business owners who have a need for financing and/or consulting services. I provide one-on-one support to small business owners actively seeking financing for their business. My role goes beyond lending to include conducting workshops and webinars on small business related topics, such as financial management and working capital.
I also manage the EGF Consulting Corps in Western New York. The EGF Consulting Corps consists of consultants with expertise in financial management, bookkeeping, human resources, marketing and strategic growth. I match consultants with EGF loan clients to help them improve their operations and grow their business – the consulting engagements come at no cost to the business owner.
2. What EGF programs and initiatives do you manage?
I manage several programs and initiatives for Excelsior Growth Fund across Western and Central New York. These programs include KeyBank Business Boost and Build powered by Jumpstart in the Buffalo market and EGF’s Veterans and Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) loan programs. All programs focus on reaching underserved entrepreneurs, including veteran, minority, and women-owned businesses. Throughout the different regions, we work together with other lending institutions and resource partners to build an inclusive small business ecosystem.
3. What is your favorite part about working at EGF?
One of my favorite aspects of my role at Excelsior Growth Fund is the opportunity to serve as a resource to businesses that are looking to grow and create jobs. We’re able to fill a gap in the lending landscape when traditional banks are not an option.
Another aspect of working at EGF that I love is my team. The EGF team brings expertise and efficiency to small business lending while striving to deliver a positive customer experience.
4. What is your favorite thing about working with small businesses?
I enjoy working with small business owners because of their impact on our communities and local economy. At Excelsior Growth Fund, we assist businesses across a variety of industries, from food and beverage to retail to manufacturing to name a few. These businesses are the fabric of our neighborhoods and contribute to the renaissance happening in some of our upstate cities. There’s a satisfaction in connecting business owners to capital and advisory services at a critical time in their business, whether it’s during their early years or a period of growth.
5. What is something people don’t know about you?
¡Hablo espanol y bailo flamenco! Aunque no soy tan bueno como solìa ser. I speak Spanish and dance flamenco! Although I am not as good as I used to be.