Alan joined the Idaho SBDC in 2025, coming from the Washington State SBDC where he had been a business advisor for over 10 years.  He worked with small business clients and bankers throughout Washington and Northern Idaho to assist in facilitating the loan process and to engage business owners in budgeting, financial forecasting, pricing, record security, and succession planning.  Creating common ground between lenders and business owners relative to language, project understanding, and trust has proven a powerful tool to assist business owners seek access to new capital.

Alan’s experiences include over 37 years in commercial banking, including over 25 years in business and commercial real estate lending as a Relationship Manager, Loan Officer, and Credit Administrator.  Alan has been a guest presenter at the Spokane Community College and North Idaho College Entrepreneurial programs and was a guest expert for the SBA Emerging Leaders Program in Spokane.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Washington State University in marketing with a minor emphasis in accounting.

Claudia is a Certified Quickbooks Professional and an expert in bookkeeping.  She helps clients reconcile correctly, set up payroll, link accounts, make journal entries, and create charts of account.

She also helps clients analyze financial statements, use this data to improve bottom lines, and prepare for funding opportunities.

Bryan earned a BA in Finance from Boise State University and spent over 20 years as a Commercial Lender with national banks, financing a wide range of business projects—from farms to manufacturers to service companies. Earlier in his career, he worked in regional accounting, supporting clients with strategic planning and financial analysis. He also co-founded a manufacturing business that grew from his garage to serving customers across the U.S. and internationally, giving him hands-on insight into business startup and growth.

Bryan’s lending background and real-world experience help SBDC clients navigate banking relationships, structure loan requests, and develop financial projections that align with their business plans.

David Sims brings over 35 years of experience in business management and public service to the Idaho SBDC Capital Access Team. As Executive Director of the Boundary Economic Development Council, he supports local businesses by connecting them with funding opportunities and driving economic growth initiatives across Boundary County.

With a background in retail and industrial equipment management, municipal administration, and public transit leadership, David understands the financial challenges faced by both startups and established businesses. His work in local government and urban renewal equips him to guide clients through public-private funding strategies and development incentives. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Debbie Winkler specializes in preparing businesses for bank financing, SBA loans, and investor readiness. With decades of experience in commercial banking, she helps clients strengthen financials, develop loan packages, and navigate lender expectations.

Her background includes senior leadership roles at Bank of America and First Republic Bank, as well as consulting for small business owners in financial planning and capital strategy. She holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin.

Marie specializes in business banking and capital readiness, helping entrepreneurs prepare for loans and navigate funding options. With experience in both banking and small business ownership, she works collaboratively with clients to strengthen financials and achieve growth goals.

Marie holds a BS in Business from Fresno State and a Master’s in Organizational Development from the University of San Francisco. Before joining the SBDC, she spent five years in banking and later coached and consulted small businesses in California’s Central Valley.

Ruth Schwartz brings decades of entrepreneurial experience to the Capital Access Team, specializing in business funding strategy, investor readiness, and leadership development. She has started, scaled, and sold multiple companies—including a $10M wholesale music distribution business—and now helps Idaho entrepreneurs strengthen financials and secure capital for growth.

Ruth is an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), certified business coach, and former California SBDC consultant. She also authored The Key to the Golden Handcuffs, and is known for helping clients navigate funding with clarity and confidence.