In this episode, host Timothy Li (CEO, LendAPI) talks with Jeeda Salloum, Partner at Block Equity Group, about small business lending, the real stories behind the numbers, and how a psychology degree turned out to be the perfect training for finance.
Jeeda's a partner, closing deals and helping build out the firm's AI stack. She and Tim dig into how Block Equity has funded $370M+ for small businesses, why 80% of their clients come back for a second round, and what it actually looks like to pull a business owner out of a genuine financial hole.
What You'll Learn:
How Block Equity Group has funded over $370 million for small businesses, and why 80% of clients return for repeat financing
A real client story: an SBA micro loan, a medical emergency, a "rapid rescore," and a larger SBA round that followed
How a factoring facility helped a trucking company stabilize cash flow while waiting on 30/60/90-day client payments
Why a policy change on SBA eligibility for green card holders forced Block Equity to find bridge financing and investor capital instead
How Block Equity is using AI to automate back-office and document collection work — without replacing the human relationship at the center of the business
Why Jeeda believes sales is the single most transferable skill you can learn
Advice for young people and founders on staying focused, choosing your environment, and pushing through economic uncertainty and noise
About Block Equity Group
Block Equity Group is a small business finance and advisory firm that helps business owners access SBA loans, factoring, bridge financing, and refinancing — with a relationship-first approach that keeps 80% of clients coming back for repeat funding. Founded by two cousins as a family venture, the firm has funded more than $370 million for small businesses across the country. Block Equity Group is a partner on the LendAPI Marketplace.
Learn more: https://www.blockequitygr.com
Explore the LendAPI Marketplace: https://www.lendapi.com/marketplace
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