We’ve unlocked innovative funding options for entrepreneurs
Our board and leadership team bring years of experience to one of the greatest challenges of this unique time. We’re results-driven, with a proven record of previous successes.
OUR VISION
Ensure entrepreneurs can access capital regardless of their identity or geography.
OUR MISSION
Bridge the capital gap through creative financing for entrepreneurs with our partners. Our innovative models make
financing possible for our clients that wouldn’t otherwise be available through traditional lending.
Our Story
In 2017, Brian and Jim joined forces at the City of Minneapolis to find better ways to support small businesses. After nearly two years of research and collaboration with entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and city staff, they identified four critical challenges: access to capital, city processes, neighborhood conditions, and commercial property. While progress was made in some areas, barriers to capital and property remained unresolved.
Driven by their commitment to underserved businesses, Brian and Jim founded Fortis Capital in 2019. With a focus on providing debt capital to businesses owned by people of color and entrepreneurs excluded from traditional lending, Fortis began lending in 2021. Backed by partners like Living Cities and the City of Minneapolis, Fortis has grown to serve communities across Minnesota, empowering small businesses and fostering economic development.
Fortis leadership
Our board and leadership team bring years of experience to one of the greatest challenges of this unique
time. We’re results-driven, with a proven record of previous successes.
Brian K. Smith
Andrea L. Larson
Chief Strategy and Operations Officer
Ashely Bade
Accountant
Ashley is an Accountant with over 12 years of experience helping small businesses achieve financial clarity and stability. Known for her attention to detail and strong analytical skills, Ashley provides accurate financial reporting, insightful analysis and practical guidance to support business growth and informed decision making. Ashley is dedicated to compliance, optimizing accounting processes, and delivering reliable financial information.
Mara O'Neill
Director of Lending
Mara has over four decades of experience in the field of community economic development providing technical assistance and underwriting loans to new and expanding small businesses and managing and operating all aspects of a revolving loan fund including loan documentation and closing, perfecting liens on collateral, loan servicing, and tracking loan funds. Mara has held finance and leadership positions at Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), First Children’s Finance (FCF), Neighborhood Development Center (NDC), and the Saint Paul Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED). She is certified as an Economic Development Financing Professional by the National Development Council (now known as Grow America) and is a recipient of the Top Women in Finance Award from Finance and Commerce Magazine.
Shawn G. Huckleby
Norris Williams
Board Director
Norris organizes community and economic development projects that experiment with how public-sector agencies, private-sector financial institutions, and philanthropic-sector foundations can partner to generate financial capital flow within emerging communities.
His work has spanned projects including Bloomberg Innovation Teams (i-teams), City Accelerator with Citi Foundation, Equipt to Innovate with Governing Magazine, Project on Municipal Innovation with Harvard Kennedy School, The Catalyst Impact Investment Fund, The Blended Catalyst Impact Investment Fund, Shared Prosperity Partnership (SP2), The Closing the Gaps Network, Breaking Barriers to Business with Truist Foundation, and Livelihood.
Our Values
INNOVATION
We embrace new ideas and challenge conventions to discover untapped potential. By taking calculated risks, we develop creative solutions that drive progress.
INTEGRITY
We operate with unwavering principles, ensuring honesty, ethics, and transparency in all actions. By staying true to these values, we build trust and lasting relationships.
JOY
We bring joy and passion to our work, creating a positive environment for our team, partners and clients. While we are deeply committed to excellence, we don’t take ourselves too seriously—creating space for authenticity, collaboration, and meaningful connection.
SIMPLICITY
We simplify complex processes, making it easy for clients to understand and engage with us. Clear communication and straightforward solutions are at the core of our approach.
