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BAFS Launches Blueprint Advantage to Accelerate Credit Union Commercial Lending Growth

via Business Wire

~ Consultative framework equips credit unions to deepen member relationships and strengthen community impact through commercial lending ~

Business Alliance Financial Services (BAFS), a leading provider of human-led services paired with commercial lending technology, today announced the launch of its Blueprint Advantage, a consultative, data-driven framework designed to help credit unions build, expand, and optimize commercial lending programs. The Blueprint Advantage gives credit unions a clear, strategically guided path to create a competitive commercial portfolio.

Business lending remains a largely untapped market for credit unions despite growing demand for diversified revenue and more holistic member service. Credit unions collectively hold around 11% of all commercial loans, while community banks account for roughly 67% of loans. The Federal Reserve’s Small Business Credit Survey shows that only about 7% of small businesses apply for financing at a credit union each year, compared with 72% who turn to banks. Yet business lending is accelerating as credit unions saw an 11% increase in commercial loans, more than $18 billion, between the end of 2022 and Q1 2025. These trends signal a significant opportunity for credit unions equipped to serve local businesses.

The BAFS Blueprint Advantage is designed as a four-phase framework that enables credit unions to turn strategy into measurable growth. Blueprint Advantage begins with a free Discovery consultation, where BAFS experts work with credit union leaders to understand strategic goals, assess operational readiness, and provide tailored, industry-informed recommendations. BAFS then helps institutions gain actionable insights on market trends, financial strength, operational needs, and strategic opportunities, ultimately guiding credit unions to create a roadmap for growth, member value, and revenue diversification.

The Blueprint offering also includes a full Planning and Implementation phase, where BAFS collaborates with credit unions to define target segments, position products, allocate resources, establish governance and operational procedures, and deploy the program with BLAST platform customization, COR integration, and participation group access. This hands-on support ensures credit unions can launch or scale commercial lending programs at their preferred pace.

“Commercial lending holds incredible potential for credit unions, but it requires the right strategy, governance, and infrastructure,” said Richard Guillot, CEO of BAFS. “Our Blueprint Advantage was created to give credit unions clarity. We support credit unions through every step, from the first conversation through full deployment, enabling them to build strong, sustainable programs that expand member service, strengthen community impact, and grow revenue.”

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About BAFS

Business Alliance Financial Services (BAFS) provides commercial loan processing, servicing, training, and consulting to community financial institutions. Based in Monroe, La., BAFS combines proven lending expertise with its proprietary BLAST® platform to help credit unions and banks grow their commercial portfolios with confidence. The BLAST system supports the full loan lifecycle, from origination to servicing, with intuitive workflows, real-time reporting, and audit-ready compliance.

BAFS offers a flexible delivery model that allows institutions to use its platform alone or alongside full-service lending support. With a team of former bankers, credit officers, and technologists, BAFS brings decades of real-world experience to every client engagement, enabling smarter lending decisions, operational efficiency, and sustainable portfolio growth. For more information, visit bafs.com or connect with us via LinkedIn.

“Commercial lending holds incredible potential for credit unions, but it requires the right strategy, governance, and infrastructure. Our Blueprint Advantage was created to give credit unions clarity. "

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