About Us

Join our team!

We’re in the business of empowering entrepreneurs.

With $10,000 and a laptop, David Nilssen and Jeremy Ames started Guidant Financial in the fall of 2003. Their initial desire to help friends use retirement funds to invest in real estate soon evolved into a full-fledged mission to help entrepreneurs realize their dreams of small business ownership.

Since then, we’ve made a name for ourselves as the industry leader of innovative small business funding. Our staff is made up of experts who help people finance small businesses and franchises through a full suite of funding solutions, which include SBA loans; unsecured loans; portfolio loans; and equipment leasing, plus 401(k) business financing (also known as Rollovers for Business Start-ups or ROBS). In fact, we structure more ROBS arrangements each year than any other provider in the space and boast a spotless IRS track record.

Create the life you want. Work with us to make your dreams of small business ownership a reality.

We feel the same way about our employees.

Each member of our team should feel as empowered as the entrepreneurs they’re helping. We encourage our employees to think outside the box and design their own career path, complete with educational and coaching opportunities. In doing so, we’ve built a culture that embraces excellence and encourages a community where we lift each other up.

Through dedication to our clients, partners and employees, we make our vision to “increase the number of people who succeed in small business” a reality.

Guidant’s Story

2003

Founded to provide funding options to small business owners looking to create the life they want.

2008

Surpassed $1 billion in small business funding.

2010

Made INC. 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies in America.

2013

Attained our goal of helping over 8,500 entrepreneurs in all 50 states.

2015

Deployed $3 billion in small business funding.

2017

Achieved five-time honoree status of INC. 5000.

2020

Transitioned to fully remote work environment with over 140 employees in 3 countries dedicated to serving small businesses and franchises.

2023

Won Best Places to Work Idaho

Our Values

Our team of experts loves supporting entrepreneurs and each other. With our ACE core values (Adaptability, Connection and Excellence), we take pride in helping clients while also cultivating a fun work atmosphere that fosters growth and strong relationships.