Understanding the Building Blocks for Sustainable Growth

This one-hour foundational course is designed for credit union leaders and staff who are new to commercial lending or seeking to enhance their understanding of core concepts. You'll gain a clear understanding of the fundamental principles that drive successful commercial lending programs within a credit union environment.

Key topics include:

• The unique role of credit unions in serving business members
• Differences between consumer and commercial lending
• Essential loan types and terminology (e.g., CRE, working capital, SBA)
• Key underwriting principles: cash flow, collateral, character, and capacity
• Regulatory considerations and risk management basics
• Strategies for aligning commercial lending with your credit union’s mission

By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a strong foundation in commercial lending and practical insights to help your credit union confidently explore or expand its business lending efforts. 

A Practical Guide for Credit Union Lenders

This one-hour course equips credit union lending professionals with the knowledge necessary to confidently review and understand the legal and financial documentation associated with various business entities. Whether you're working with a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation, knowing what to expect — and how to interpret it — is critical for effective commercial lending.

Key Topics include:

• Overview of common business entity types: Sole Proprietor, Partnership, LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp
• Key legal documents: Articles of Incorporation, Operating Agreements, Bylaws, Partnership Agreements
• Understanding ownership structure, authority to borrow, and signing authority
• Federal tax returns by entity type: Forms 1040 (Schedule C), 1065, 1120, 1120-S
• What to look for in K-1s and how they tie to cash flow analysis
• Red flags and risk indicators in legal and financial documents

By the end of the session, attendees will have a solid grasp of how entity structure impacts lending decisions, documentation requirements, and financial analysis.

What Leaders and Supervisory Committees Need to Know

This one-hour session provides credit union leaders and supervisory committee members with a clear understanding of Credit Union Service Organizations (CUSOs) - what they are, how they operate, and how to effectively oversee partnerships with them.

Participants will explore the strategic value CUSOs offer, from expanding product and service capabilities to supporting innovation and efficiency. The course also outlines regulatory considerations, risk management responsibilities, and the role of the supervisory committee in ensuring safe and sound CUSO involvement.

Key topics include:

• What is a CUSO? Structure, purpose, and examples of services provided
• Benefits of CUSO partnerships for credit unions of all sizes
• How CUSOs are regulated and reported under NCUA guidance
• The supervisory committee’s role in oversight and due diligence
• Best practices for evaluating and monitoring CUSO relationships
• Real-world examples of successful CUSO collaboration

Attendees will leave with the tools and confidence to engage in or oversee CUSO relationships that align with their credit union’s goals and regulatory responsibilities.