We’re excited to welcome two new members of our economic development team: Lynda Duncan, Loan Portfolio Specialist, and Jazmine Flores, Commercial Loan Officer.
Together, they bring decades of experience in commercial lending, community development finance, loan servicing and business support. Their expertise will help strengthen SWIF’s lending programs and expand access to capital for entrepreneurs and businesses throughout Southwest Minnesota.
SWIF’s business finance programs help entrepreneurs access capital, technical assistance and resources that support business growth and community prosperity. As demand for flexible financing solutions continues to evolve, both Lynda and Jazmine bring valuable experience that will help advance this work.
While both positions are remote-based, Lynda and Jazmine will work directly with businesses, partners and communities throughout SWIF’s service area. They join existing economic development staff Claire Meyers, Briana Mumme, Khou Lor, Amy Woitalewicz, and Kim Morrow.
Meet Lynda Duncan, Loan Portfolio Specialist
As Loan Portfolio Specialist, Lynda provides loan portfolio management, loan servicing, due diligence and operational support for SWIF’s business finance programs.
Her work supports Southwest Minnesota Community Capital (SMCC), the USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, the Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Program, the SBA Microloan Program and other lending initiatives.
Lynda brings more than 30 years of experience in residential, nonprofit, community development financial institution (CDFI) and community lending environments. Her background includes underwriting, portfolio management, loan processing, compliance, investor reporting and operational leadership.
“Having worked more than 16 years in nonprofit and CDFI mission-driven lending, I’m excited to join SWIF and continue my passion for providing support to underserved communities,” Lynda said.
Outside of work, Lynda enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her eight grandchildren. She loves game nights, bike rides, nature walks, visits to local parks and movie nights. She also has longstanding family ties to Southwest Minnesota and has enjoyed traveling throughout the region for many years.
Meet Jazmine Flores, Commercial Loan Officer
As Commercial Loan Officer, Jazmine works directly with entrepreneurs and business owners to originate, underwrite and manage commercial loans and business financing programs.
Her role includes helping borrowers navigate financing options, structuring lending solutions, coordinating loan closings, and providing technical assistance that supports long-term business success.
Jazmine’s background is primarily in community banking and lending. She worked as a credit specialist for agricultural and commercial lending, and in consumer lending, before moving into economic development lending and commercial gap financing.
She also brings familiarity with the Minnesota Initiative Foundations through previous partnerships with Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation while working with the Region Nine Development Commission.
“I’ve always loved helping people and businesses grow, and SWIF gives me the opportunity to do that in an even bigger way. To me, it’s banking that makes a difference and has a soul,” Jazmine said.
Jazmine grew up in rural Minnesota and is a first-generation Mexican American, so supporting rural communities and small businesses is something she feels personally connected to. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking and exploring new places with her husband and young son. She especially enjoys discovering local coffee shops, ice cream stops and outdoor destinations across Minnesota.
Investing in the future of rural communities
SWIF’s business lending programs are designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow and sustain businesses that contribute to thriving communities. With the addition of Lynda and Jazmine, SWIF is expanding its capacity to support borrowers while strengthening the lending programs that help drive local economic development across southwest Minnesota.
“We’re excited to welcome Lynda and Jazmine to our economic development team,” said SWIF President Scott Marquardt. “They each bring valuable experience, strong lending expertise and a commitment to helping entrepreneurs and businesses succeed. Their knowledge and relationship-focused approach will strengthen our ability to serve borrowers, partners and communities throughout southwest Minnesota.”