Meet the Supplier: Guidant Financial Group, Inc.

Guidant Financial Group is a financial services company that specializes in helping individuals and small businesses access funding for a variety of purposes, including starting or purchasing a franchise, launching a small business, or investing in a business or real estate. Guidant offers a range of financial solutions and services, including small business administration (SBA) loans, unsecured loans, portfolio loans, equipment leasing and 401(k) business financing.

As a result of its offerings, Guidant has become a leading provider of innovative small business funding and won numerous awards, including being named one of Inc. 5000’s “Fastest Growing Private Companies in America” more than five times.

The History of Guidant Financial

Guidant was established in 2003 by co-founders David Nilssen and Jeremy Ames with just $10K and a laptop. The pair initially started the firm to help their friends use retirement funds to invest in real estate. However, Guidant quickly evolved into a full-fledged financial services firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams of small business ownership. By 2005, the firm launched its own proprietary client platform with over 300 small businesses on board. Then, in 2008, the firm surpassed $1 billion in small business funding.

Fast forward to 2023, Guidant has helped more than 25K entrepreneurs across all 50 states, is partnered with hundreds of franchisors, has deployed more than $3 billion in small business funding and has grown into a brand with over 140 employees across three locations.

How Guidant Financial Stands Out

Guidant stands out in the financial services industry for its specialization in small business and franchise financing, as well as its personalized guidance and network of partners and lenders. Another noteworthy aspect of Guidant is its expertise in Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS). According to the firm’s consumer-facing website, Guidant structures more ROBS arrangements than any other provider in the industry and boasts that it has a “spotless IRS track record.”

Guidant has also made a name for itself through its commitment to educating its clients on finances and the franchising space. In fact, the firm has an entire Learning Center with videos, infographics, white papers and guides dedicated to helping entrepreneurs pursue business ownership.

Why Choose Guidant Financial?

In an interview with 1851 Franchise, Ralph Nilssen, the director of sales at Guidant, said there are a number of reasons why someone would choose to work with Guidant. Not only does the brand have a consistent track record of helping entrepreneurs secure funding, but each advisor on the team is an expert in the financial services field. Whether you’re in need of small business or franchise financing, business consulting, or assistance with retirement account planning, Guidant brands itself as taking an “educational and transparent approach” to assist its clients.  

Funding Your Future

Guidant Financial has become a prominent and reliable player in the financial services industry as a result of its commitment and dedication to helping individuals and small businesses achieve their financial goals.

Learn more about the firm by watching the full interview here.