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Shared Business Development Officer Program

What is the
SBDO Program?

The Shared Business Development Officer (SBDO) Program enables credit unions to expand their commercial lending capabilities without the need for a full-time, in-house team.

Our experienced SBDOs act as an extension of your institution, bringing industry expertise and local market knowledge.
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Benefits

Why Participate in the
SBDO Program?

Diversify your portfolio

Gain access to a variety of borrowers, industries, and geographic markets.

Mitigate risk

Reduce concentration risks through CBS’ loan participation network.

Utilize local expertise

Partner with dedicated officers who understand your region’s market dynamics.

How It Works

How the SBDO Program Operates

Assessment

We evaluate your credit union’s current lending strategy, risk tolerance, and goals.

Partnership Formation

We match you with a dedicated CBS SBDO who represents your credit union in your
local market.

Market Engagement

Your CBS SBDO identifies and originates high-quality loan opportunities.

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FAQs

How does the Shared Business Development Officer model work?

Cooperative Business Services (CBS) hires, trains, and manages a dedicated Business Development Officer (BDO) in your market to source quality commercial loan opportunities on behalf of your credit union. This program provides the ability to either lead or participate in commercial loans, enabling your institution to diversify its portfolio.

  • Originate high-dollar loans: With our partnership, you can compete with banks for high-amount opportunities because loans will participate amongst other credit unions in the model. As the lead credit union, you only have to fund 10% of the deal (or 5% if you are state-chartered).

 

  • Cap advantage: Loans you participate in will not go against your cap (however, loans to your members count toward the 12.25% cap).

 

  • Geographic expansion: Participate in loans outside of your market to reduce concentration and potentially access stronger economies.

 

  • Reduce concentration risk: Diversify beyond commercial real estate with loan types like SBA, equipment, and construction.

In-depth reports are provided on loans you participate in, including analytics reporting.

We have 13 models: NW Ohio, NE Ohio, SW Ohio, Central Ohio, Dayton Metro, OH; Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Oklahoma.

Experience is helpful but not necessary to participate in a SBDO Model.

Yes, you should consult with examiners (the NCUA, state regulator, or other applicable oversight agency) before entering into commercial lending. This ensures your credit union is compliant with all applicable requirements, including underwriting standards, documentation, and portfolio concentration limits. 

Loans you participate in will not go against your cap. However, MBLs (loans to your members) do count toward the 12.25% cap.
Yes, our SBDO program is a collaboration model. It’s designed to bring credit unions together to share loan opportunities. 

Average loan size and pricing differ per region of the country. Collateral type also varies, but is primarily commercial real estate secured.

Still have questions?
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Ready to Elevate Your Commercial Lending Program?

Leverage experienced business development officers, risk-reducing lending solutions, and a scalable growth strategy — all without the overhead of hiring a full-time team.

 

Fill out the form to schedule a consultation and see how CBS can help your credit union succeed.

Explore the Benefits of a CBS SBDO Partnership