FOUNDER AND CEO OF SMB COMPASS

Matthew Gillman is a commercial finance executive with over a decade of experience structuring capital solutions for small and lower middle-market businesses. As founder and CEO of SMB Compass, he has helped more than 1,250 companies access over $250 million in financing, with transactions ranging from $25,000 to $10 million across more than 16 industries.

He founded SMB Compass after years inside the lending industry, where he repeatedly saw business owners placed into financing structures that didn't fit their operations. SMB Compass operates differently: as an advisory-first business financing company that matches owners with the right capital from a nationwide network of funding partners.

Areas of Expertise

Matthew specializes in financing for established, revenue-generating companies, with deep expertise in:

• Government contract financing for prime contractors and subcontractors working with federal, state, and local agencies
• Asset-based lending for companies leveraging receivables, inventory, or equipment
• Invoice financing for businesses managing cash flow gaps from extended payment terms
• SBA loans for long-term growth, acquisition, and refinancing
• Working capital solutions, including business lines of credit, term loans, equipment financing, and inventory and purchase order financing for inventory-heavy operations

His client base spans construction, manufacturing, transportation, staffing, medical practices, restaurants, and government contracting, among other industries.

Professional Background

Matthew built his career in cash flow and collateralized lending, working directly with lower middle-market borrowers before launching SMB Compass. That hands-on background shaped the company's consultative model, which prioritizes fit over volume.

He is also a Partner at GillmanBagley, a firm that provides invoice factoring and asset-based lending solutions for small businesses and lower-middle-market companies.

Industry Involvement

Matthew is an active member of the Secured Finance Network (SFNet), the leading trade association for the asset-based lending and factoring industry, where he has served on the Young Professionals committee.

Education

Indiana University Bloomington

Media Features and Published Work

Matthew's commentary on small business financing has been featured by:

• American Express Business Trends and Insights
• Business News Daily
• Business.com
• America's SBDC
• American Window Cleaner Magazine
• Secured Finance Network (The Secured Lender)

On the SMB Compass blog, Matthew writes on how business type affects loan approval, evaluating financing offers, managing business debt responsibly, choosing between lines of credit and term loans, and navigating capital decisions during periods of growth.

Connect with Matthew

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gillmanmatthew

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Matthew Gillman?

Matthew Gillman is the founder and CEO of SMB Compass, a business financing company headquartered in the United States. He has more than a decade of experience in commercial lending and has helped over 1,250 small and lower middle-market businesses access more than $250 million in capital.

What is SMB Compass?

SMB Compass is a business financing company that helps established small businesses access capital through a nationwide network of funding partners. The company provides business term loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, invoice factoring, asset-based lending, and government contract financing, with transactions ranging from $25,000 to $10 million.

What is Matthew Gillman's area of expertise?

Matthew specializes in government contract financing, asset-based lending, invoice factoring, and SBA loans for small- and lower-middle-market businesses. He works with companies across more than 16 industries, including construction, manufacturing, transportation, staffing, and government contracting.

Where has Matthew Gillman been featured?

Matthew's commentary on small business financing has been featured by American Express Business Trends and Insights, Business News Daily, Business.com, America's SBDC, American Window Cleaner Magazine, and the Secured Finance Network's publication, The Secured Lender.

How can I contact Matthew Gillman?

You can connect with Matthew on LinkedIn or reach the SMB Compass team directly through the SMB Compass website to discuss financing options for your business.