Julie Parker

WORK HISTORY

SKILLS

ABOUT JULIE PARKER

As President & CEO of Great Lakes Commercial Finance (GLCF), I lead a passionate team dedicated to supporting small businesses and fostering economic opportunities. With over 25 years of experience in managing and leading a Certified Development Company (CDC), I\'ve witnessed the transformative impact small businesses have on their communities. My CDC journey began at the Economic Development Foundation (EDF) in the 90s, where I gained invaluable insights into the needs of small businesses. In 2002, I transitioned to lead Lakeshore 504, a Michigan-based CDC housed within the West Coast Chamber of Commerce. Working at the Chamber and leading Lakeshore 504 for 14 years further enriched my expertise in assisting local entrepreneurs. Returning to EDF in 2015, I spearheaded the merger between EDF and Lakeshore 504 in 2017. This led to the rebranding of the organization in 2022, now known as Great Lakes Commercial Finance (GLCF). Today, we serve the entire state of Michigan and proudly stand as the largest CDC in West Michigan and the second-largest in the state.GLCF believes every small business deserves support, and our goal is to help them succeed in their growth through the SBA 504 Loan Program. Small businesses are vital to our community, driving innovation and job creation. We are proud to be part of an industry that champions their success, providing unparalleled service and expertise to ensure our clients thrive.