Getting to Yes!

Put simply, our platform pulls together loan programs, grants, funding resources and other technical assistance tools to help community projects, small businesses, and entrepreneurs find the capital they need.

These resources exist in the marketplace today, but are difficult to find and take time, especially if you don’t know where to look or can’t figure out how to leverage the programs to work together.

Everybody wins with HelloBello - banks and community capital lenders can make more loans, small businesses can get funded .and communities can thrive.

As a completely unique technology platform it leverages algorithms, AI, data mining, and business intelligence technologies to help lenders identify and connect with risk-mitigated gap funding sources on behalf of their borrowers.

HelloBello Banking Illustration by Paul Ballas

HelloBello platform screenshot in a laptop

Our Product

We help:

Fulfill your mission
Earn CRA credits
Access to our database of risk-mitigating capital resources
Build a network of Feeder organizations
Fund more and larger loans in your community
Participation funding

Our Leadership

Meet our growing team of financial and tech experts.

Sherry Waner

CEO / Co-Founder

Sherry Waner is the CEO and Co-Founder of HelloBello, an innovative technology platform that simplifies complex lending. A leader in the economic development and entrepreneurial ecosystem-building fields, Sherry has used technology to amplify impact throughout her career - including building software applications for federal assistance programs, using technology-based solutions for solving inefficiencies in the lending processes, and creating data impact and measurement programs.

Her deep knowledge of rural communities and the challenges they face for economic growth, combined with her technology and data expertise has enabled Sherry to create innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Sherry has over 31 years of banking experience, specializing in finding creative ways to provide access to capital that assists small business start-ups and expansions. She has coached thousands of startups and small to medium-sized businesses across industries on financing, fundraising, employee-buyouts, acquisitions, strategy, scaling, and other business essentials.

Prior to her role at HelloBello, Sherry served as Chief Development Officer (CDO) for First Southwest Bank, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Bank, and partner organization First Southwest Community Fund, a 501c-3 non-profit. During her time as CDO, Sherry led First Southwest Bank to become one of Colorado’s leading specialized lenders – now known for its innovative financing models nationally. Sherry was also instrumental in the formation and capacity building of the partner 501c-3 First Southwest Community Fund.

Sherry attended the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado University- Boulder. She holds various leadership positions locally and statewide including Chair of the Colorado Minority Business Office Advisory Counsel-appointed by the Governor, Counsel Member of the newly chartered Colorado Office of Financial Empowerment-appointed by the Attorney General, President of the Board of Directors for the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation-elected, and serving on the Advisory Board for Colorado Enterprise Fund focusing on New Market Tax Credit Projects for underserved communities.

Our Advisors

Meet our growing team of financial and tech experts.

Kent Curtis

Co-Founder HelloBello / CEO First SouthWest Bank

Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry. Skilled in Portfolio Management, Banking, Loans, Credit Analysis, and Venture Capital. Strong business development professional graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Suzi Bahnsen

Brand Strategist, Marketing and Sales Mentor, and Small Business Advisor

Suzi Bahnsen is a distinguished Brand Strategist, Marketing and Sales Mentor, and Small Business Advisor. With a steadfast commitment to empowering businesses, Suzi excels in strategic planning, resource connections, and crafting comprehensive marketing and sales strategies tailored for business growth and development. Throughout her career, Suzi has passionately dedicated herself to mentoring others, imparting invaluable knowledge, and delivering practical strategies that enable businesses to thrive. She is also the author of the recently released book Facing Your Fear of Sales.