President-CEO Clint Gwin

CLINT GWIN, President and CEO of nonprofit Pathway Lending, the economic development lender, Community Development Financial Institution and business-training services provider based in Nashville, told Venture Nashville that by 3Q 2020 Pathway is likely to have begun unveiling the steps it is taking to expand its program and services offerings in as-yet undisclosed markets.

Pathway now has staff on the ground in Nashville, Knoxville and Greater Memphis, the latter the base from which Pathway also serves some clients in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi. Pathway's website shows 42 team members.

Pathway's current offerings include small business loans (about 60% of its clientele have less than $1MM and 80% have less than $1.5MM sales revenue, with roughly $500K annual revenue the entry threshold); programs for Women and military Veterans; loans for energy efficiency and multifamily housing; and lending for owner-occupied commercial real estate and equipment.

Gwin, who's been with Pathway 18 years, said the lender is not undertaking Opportunity Zone projects, per se, but welcomes applicants with businesses located in OZs.

Though roughly 70% of Pathway's client businesses sell products, its lending to businesses in IT, architectural and other skilled services roles is growing. In 2018, clients in professional, scientific and technical fields represented nearly 9% of its client base.

Pathway made 150 loans totaling $44.7MM in 2018. It ended 2018 with $155.6MM total assets and $28.5MM net assets or fund balances, according to its Form 990 for that year.

Gwin, a 50-year-old Shreveport native, earned his MBA at Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt; and, his bachelor's in economics and business at Centenary College of Louisiana. His LinkedIn is here.

Our first story (2008) on Pathway is here. Additional Pathway stories and mentions here. VNC

. last edited 1630 25 Feb 2020