SBA Loans

Open, Grow, or Transform Your Small Business With a Government-Backed SBA Loan

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers various loan programs designed for business owners who may have trouble qualifying for a traditional bank loan. Forte Bank is proud to participate in SBA financing, not all lenders offer SBA loans.

Get longer terms with no balloon payments and low down payments.

SBA Loans For:

Start-up Business Expenses
Business Acquisitions
Business Expansion or Renovation, Including Real Estate Purchase
Buying Land
Permanent Working Capital
Fixed Asset Purchases, Including Equipment
Acquiring Inventory
Refinancing of Existing Debt

Apply for a Loan

Meet Our Commercial & Ag Lenders

Our experienced commercial lenders will work with you to assess your situation, answer all of your questions and help you make the best financing choice for your business. You can feel confident that we will value your business and our relationship with you.

Gary Heckendorf Senior Vice President
Chief Lending Officer

Gary Heckendorf Senior Vice President
Chief Lending Officer
Phone: 262-670-3891

Gary Heckendorf is a Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer (CLO) for Forte Bank. He oversees all customer facing lending personnel and functions within the Bank. As CLO, he supervises and develops commercial and residential lending staff, makes credit and lending decisions, and performs credit monitoring across the entire loan portfolio. Gary joined Forte Bank in October 2019 and has been in banking for over 30 years. He has more than 20 years of commercial banking experience.
Gary received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and also is a 2008 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Graduate School of Banking. He is a lifelong resident of Jackson, and he and his wife Holly have three daughters. When the weather is good and Gary's not at a softball game, he likes to play golf.
Gary counts his clients as friends and strives to build long-lasting partnerships with them. Gary is always seeking to understand his clients’ goals and working to help clients achieve them. His mission is to always be available when clients have questions or would like his input.
Why a community bank?
"Community banks serve a vital role in the growth of our communities. Our customers can trust us with their personal and commercial deposits, which will be used to help others build their business or homes. When we help businesses expand, it often means more jobs for the community. Community banks also support the community in charitable ways. Not only do employees serve on local boards and volunteer with area nonprofits, but community banks also make charitable contributions that go right back into supporting local programming and events."
Community Involvement
Member of the Slinger Business Network, 2022-present
Member of the Greater Jackson Area Business Alliance, Scholarship Committee Member, 2017-present
David's Star Lutheran Church, Board of Elders, 2022-present
Family Promise of Washington County Board of Directors, 2025-present

Todd Novotny Vice President
Commercial Banker

Todd Novotny Vice President
Commercial Banker
Phone: 262-709-9039

Todd Novotny is a Vice President and Commercial Banker with Forte Bank. In this role, Todd establishes, develops, and manages commercial banking relationships with local business owners and investors to drive financial success. Todd joined Forte Bank in August 2024. He has been in banking for over 20 years and has more than five years of experience as a commercial banker.
Todd received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He and his wife, Jess, have two young kids who keep them busy running from one event to the next. When he’s not spending time with family or friends, Todd enjoys following track and field at all age levels. He coached the sport at the middle and high school levels for 15 years and still looks to volunteer when the time allows.
Todd’s approach to customer service is to listen, guide, and then deliver. His clients appreciate his dedication, strong work ethic, and ability to go the extra mile.
Why a community bank?
"To me, community banking is relationship-focused where the bank can offer personalized services and maintain a greater connection to the customers. In addition, by serving local markets, community banks have a unique understanding of community needs and are heavily invested in meeting those needs. I want to see local communities continue to thrive, and community banks like Forte Bank play a significant role in that."
Community Involvement
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Usher/Greeter, 2023-present
Assistant Track & Field Coach at Slinger High School, 2003, 2010-2018

Ashley C. Mueller Vice President
Business Banking Officer

Ashley C. Mueller Vice President
Business Banking Officer
Phone: 262-673-5800

Ashley Mueller is Vice President and Business Banking Officer. She brings more than 14 years of commercial banking experience across multiple financial institutions, with expertise in business banking, commercial lending, portfolio management, and credit analysis.
Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Loras College and brings deep expertise in credit structuring, risk analysis, and relationship-driven banking. Ashley serves a key role in expanding Forte's commercial banking presence and delivering value to our customers and communities.

Courtney Gonzales Business Banking Officer

Courtney Gonzales Business Banking Officer
Phone: 262-673-5800

Gonzalez brings more than 10 years of sales and banking experience, with a strong background in commercial lending support, business banking, data analysis, and customer relationship management.
Throughout her career, Gonzalez has worked closely with commercial loan and credit teams and has become a trusted resource for Salesforce and sales support systems. Known for her strong analytical skills, relationship-focused approach, and drive to continuously grow professionally, she is committed to expanding her knowledge and advancing her career in banking.
Gonzalez studied Business Administration and Management at Rasmussen University and will serves a key role in strengthening our commercial banking efforts and delivering value to our customers and communities.

Get Started With a Small Business Lending Solution Today

Submit an SBA Loan Inquiry

From the Blog

Find expert advice and news related to your money and everyday banking.

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