Kara Grano

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT KARA GRANO

As a relationship manager and trusted partner, I thrive on building genuine connections and delivering exceptional experiences for business owners and their families. With a deep understanding of the highs and lows that come with entrepreneurship, I bring a dynamic blend of adaptability, strategic thinking, and genuine empathy to every relationship. My family\'s entrepreneurial background, including my mother and grandfather\'s small businesses, instilled in me a profound appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices made by business owners.Growing up in a family of small business owners, I developed a lasting appreciation for the dedication, resilience, and purpose behind every venture—values that now guide my work across both the private and nonprofit sectors. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting small businesses and nonprofits alike, helping them access capital, streamline operations, and navigate their financial journey with confidence. Beyond my career in business banking, I’ve actively served on nonprofit boards and community initiatives focused on financial empowerment, youth and family support, and access to essential resources. These experiences have deepened my commitment to equity, community impact, and building partnerships that last.Throughout my career, I’ve been selected for internal innovation initiatives, worked cross-functionally to solve complex challenges, and earned the trust of clients, colleagues, and community partners. With a relentless work ethic and an insatiable appetite for growth, I embrace every opportunity as a chance to learn, evolve, and make a difference. Key Areas of Expertise:• Strategic Relationship Management• Cross-Sector Partnership Development• Cross-Functional Internal Team Collaboration• Nonprofit Financial Strategy & Board Leadership• Treasury Management Technology & API Integration• Access to Capital, Business Credit & SBA Financing• Business Development and Fundraising Strategy• Problem Solving and Innovative Solutions• Community Engagement & Impactful Initiatives• Customer Experience & Donor Stewardship• Salesforce CRM, Tableau