Next-Gen Finance: Chad Eberly's Award Spotlights a New Era for SMB Lending

CLEVELAND, OH – May 12, 2026 – In a nod to the evolving landscape of specialty finance, Encore Funding's General Manager and Co-Founder, Chad Eberly, has been named a recipient of the 2026 ABF Journal Legends & Leaders Award. The recognition, granted in the NextGen category, places Eberly among a class of emerging leaders who are reshaping how small and medium-sized businesses access critical capital.

The award, presented by the asset-based lending industry's long-standing publication, ABF Journal, celebrates individuals who set new standards for excellence through leadership and innovation. For Eberly, the honor serves as a milestone not just for his career but for the mission-driven approach of Encore Funding, a firm he helped build from the ground up.

A Leader Forged in Finance's New Frontier

Before co-founding Encore Funding, Chad Eberly spent seven years at PwC, navigating the complex worlds of large banking clients, hedge funds, and burgeoning fintech companies. This experience provided him with a unique vantage point, revealing both the power of established financial institutions and the significant gaps they often leave in the market—particularly for entrepreneurial ventures.

Transitioning from a global advisory firm to a startup alternative lender, Eberly was instrumental in shaping Encore's core identity. He played a central role in establishing the firm's rigorous credit discipline, operational framework, and a client-centric culture that has become its hallmark. His philosophy is rooted in a simple but powerful belief.

"This recognition is a reflection of the team we've built and the clients we've had the privilege of serving," said Eberly. "Specialty finance is a relationship business at its core, and everything we do at Encore is built around integrity and client service. We have the best people in the industry and empower them to be leaders within the business."

This focus on human capital and relationships distinguishes the "NextGen" approach from more traditional, transaction-focused lending models. It's a strategy built on a disciplined framework Eberly champions, focusing on four core pillars: credit, new clients, existing clients, and the team. This structure has been central to Encore's growth and its ability to build long-term durability in a competitive market.

Beyond Capital: The Holistic Support Model

Encore Funding, founded by entrepreneur Joel Adelman, operates on the principle of "entrepreneurs serving entrepreneurs." This ethos is woven into its service model, which extends far beyond the receivables financing that forms its foundation. The firm has carved out a niche by providing a holistic suite of services to growth-minded businesses, primarily in the high-demand staffing and transportation sectors.

For these clients, Encore offers not just working capital but also strategic consulting, back-office technology, and hands-on advisory support. This integrated approach addresses a fundamental challenge for many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs): the need for more than just money. They need guidance, operational efficiency, and a financial partner who understands the unique pressures of their industry. By providing payroll factoring, software to optimize job order creation, and expert advice on cash flow management, Encore frees entrepreneurs from administrative burdens so they can focus on growth.

This model is a direct response to the shortcomings of the traditional lending market. While large banks have tightened lending standards, with some reports showing a decline in small business loan approvals, alternative lenders have stepped in to fill the void. They offer the speed, flexibility, and specialized knowledge that many SMBs desperately need.

Bridging the Gap in a Shifting Economy

The challenges for SMBs seeking capital are well-documented. Traditional banks often require extensive documentation, high credit scores, and significant collateral, creating barriers that many viable businesses cannot overcome. Application processes can be slow and bureaucratic, a critical flaw when immediate capital needs arise.

This is the gap that alternative finance is built to bridge. Chad Eberly has been instrumental in deepening Encore's partnerships with banking institutions, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits everyone. Encore has positioned itself as a preferred alternative financier for banks, taking on deals that fall just outside traditional credit parameters. Eberly calls this a "winning formula" that generates quality leads for Encore while allowing banks to retain a relationship with a promising client they might otherwise have had to turn away completely.

This strategy is particularly vital for the staffing and transportation industries, which are often characterized by rapid growth and fluctuating cash flow needs. Encore's tenured executive team brings decades of specialized experience, having lent over $25 billion to staffing agencies alone. This deep industry knowledge allows them to make informed, nuanced decisions that a generalist lender might not.

Eberly sees a broader mission in this work, advocating for greater awareness and understanding of the financial tools available to entrepreneurs.

"I believe the industry must get better at properly educating the small and medium-sized business community about what alternative finance options exist," Eberly stated. "They deserve the additional support and services that come with alternative financing, which often provides greater availability and scalability than traditional lending products. These more durable alternative financing programs can better support clients through both challenging and good times."

His award from ABF Journal is not just a personal accolade but a validation of this vision—one where finance is a catalyst for growth, not a barrier, and where the next generation of leaders is defined by their ability to build relationships, offer strategic value, and champion the entrepreneurs driving the economy forward.