Congratulations Roland!

SBA Names Roland Chaiton

Community Capital Development, Seattle

2011 Washington State and Region 10 Financial Services Champion of the Year

Celebration honoring winners on April 21st – The Museum of Flight, Boeing Field, Seattle

SEATTLE – “If anyone can do this, you can.” These words are frequently spoken to Roland Chaiton, the U.S. Small Business Administration Region 10 (WA, OR, ID, AK) Financial Services Champion.  Roland Chaiton is a Loan Officer and Vice President of Community Capital Development (also known as CCD).  CCD is a leading technical assistance provider, U.S. Treasury Department designated Community Development Financial Institution, and a non-profit lender to microenterprises and small businesses, including start-ups, throughout Washington.   

Roland Chaiton understands entrepreneurs.  He managed a family-owned business while in college and had ownership in several small businesses during his career, including an export management business he operated for ten years.  His entrepreneurship and management experience provide an excellent platform in becoming a loan officer who helped build CCD into an alternative lending powerhouse.

“Roland is a trail blazer, one who has pioneered many “firsts.”  He was the first to move CCD beyond the realm of standard 7(a) loans d into LowDoc and SBA Express loans.  He submitted the first Patriot Express loan for approval in SBA’s Region 10,” said Nancy Porzio, SBA Seattle District Director.  He was instrumental in CCD’s expansion of their loan offerings to include USDA’s Business & Industry loans and USDA’s microloans. His successful facilitation made it possible for CCD to offer SBA Export Express loans to which contributed to the Presidential initiative designed to help companies expand exporting.  With a nearly two decade career, Chaiton is the first lender whose loan portfolio has a near-zero default ratio.

Roland has become the “go-to” person for troubled companies with difficult loan situations. Virtually all his clients were originally declined by conventional banks before connecting with him. Chaiton’s clients range from mom-and-pop shops and aerospace companies to bio-fuel producers and a “man-skirt” (kilt) manufacturer.  “No matter the situation, whether to help someone bridge a period of unemployment, change their life permanently by moving in a different career direction, or pursuing the dream of being one’s own boss, Roland’s teaching, guidance and direction has made the difference in their lives,” said Regional Administrator Calvin W. Goings.  “The business, financial skills and services that Chaiton has provided over the years through classes or by one-on-one meetings has imparted critical information entrepreneurs have needed to establish successful businesses. 

Chaiton lends his expertise to formal and informal education efforts; providing entrepreneurial training at CCD, designing award winning curricula at local colleges, and serving as a volunteer presenter of loan information at SBA loan briefings and the annual Renton Small Business Fair.  He has served as a liaison for clients to Congressional representatives, so they could testify on how they have been adversely affected by mortgage industry abuses, lack of access to credit, as well as the end of the bio-diesel tax credit.  He advocates for programs that can result in small businesses having increased access to finance options that foster economic growth and job creation.

For the life-changing positive impact on scores of small business owners and impressive results from years of contributions and advocacy efforts, we are proud to name Roland Chaiton as the SBA Region 10 Financial Services Champion. 

For information about the Washington State Awards Gala, contact carol.andersen@sba.gov

An independent panel of judges selected the winner based on several criteria, including assistance given small businesses to obtain financing, advocacy for changes in the financial services industry, encouragement of the flow of investment capital to small businesses, active support for legislative or regulatory action, and significant contributions through the advocacy efforts of the financial services industries to advance small business interests. 

Small Business Champion Award winners will be selected at the state, regional and national levels.  Information on SBA’s National Small Business Week 2011 celebrations in Washington, D.C. can be found at www.sba.gov