Marissa Ames
Marissa Ames is the First Vice President of SBA Lending at 44 Business Capital, a division of Berkshire Bank, where she originates and manages SBA loans for small businesses across the United States. Based in Miami, Florida, she provides tailored financing solutions that include SBA 7(a), SBA 504, USDA B&I, and conventional loans ranging from $350,000 to $10 million. Marissa specializes in business acquisitions, startup financing, commercial real estate transactions, and complex lending structures, guiding borrowers through every stage of the process from pre-qualification to closing. She is committed to delivering fast, accurate, and customized solutions while ensuring each deal is structured to genuinely benefit the business.
With 26 years in the industry, including 22 years exclusively in SBA lending, Marissa has built a distinguished career grounded in relationship-based banking and consultative problem-solving. She began her professional journey in teaching and guidance counseling before moving into sales for a construction risk monitoring company—a role that introduced her to SBA lending and inspired her transition into the field. Over the years, she has worked as a satellite-based originator, cultivating a robust network of repeat clients and referral partners, and consistently ranks among her bank’s top performers. Her philosophy is solution-oriented and client-first, ensuring borrowers receive guidance and support through complex documentation, projections, and underwriting considerations so that viable deals can close successfully.
Marissa is highly regarded for her integrity, professionalism, and ability to build lasting relationships with both clients and colleagues. Known for repeat customers and trusted referral relationships, she is recognized as a collaborative team player who adds value at every stage of the lending process. Beyond her professional achievements, she is passionate about helping entrepreneurs realize their business goals and actively celebrates their milestones, reflecting her dedication to fostering growth, trust, and long-term success in the small business community.
• IBBA (Independent Business Brokers of America)
• Local Business Brokers chapter (Florida)
• FLEGO
What do you attribute your success to?
Strong, long-term relationships and repeat referral business; great mentors and acting as a mentor to others; disciplined self-motivation and mindset-work that enables client-focused handholding and consistent production.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be disciplined and self-motivated; build and lean on a network of peers and mentors; invest in mindset work; be willing to guide clients through the process; prioritize integrity over chasing top placement.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenge: recent SBA policy changes limiting loans to businesses with any ownership by green-card holders, which materially affects buyers in South Florida. Ongoing need for legislative engagement and staying current with policy.
Opportunity: expanding visibility and personal branding (podcasts, social media, panels) to reach more clients and to increase women’s representation in SBA lending.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Solution-oriented mindset, kindness, discipline, integrity, and a commitment to helping others.