The story of lendDEFY™ begins with its founder, Rodney O’Rourke, who has spent over three decades in consumer finance and more than twelve years in commercial capitalization. O’Rourke’s journey into finance wasn’t just a career choice but a passion project ignited by his deep-seated desire to support small business owners. Recognizing the critical role small businesses play in the economy, yet aware of their struggles with traditional financing methods, Rodney aimed to create a solution that would address these gaps directly.

In 2014, he established Velocity Business, a B2B consulting firm designed to support small businesses in their growth and financial stability. However, Rodney quickly realized that just consulting wasn’t enough; these businesses needed tangible financial solutions to their capital needs. This revelation led to the creation of lendDEFY™, envisioned as a capitalization arm for Velocity Business, dedicated to serving the financial needs of small businesses more holistically.

LendDEFY™’s mission was clear from the start: to defy traditional commercial lending norms that often overlooked the unique challenges and needs of small businesses. Unlike conventional banks and lending institutions that rely heavily on credit scores and industry types, lendDEFY™ chose to prioritize the business’s potential and its owner’s entrepreneurial spirit. This approach has led to a high approval rate for loan applications, providing a lifeline to small businesses that might otherwise be turned away by traditional lenders.

Beyond just offering loans, lendDEFY™ has committed itself to be a partner for small businesses, guiding them through the complexities of financial management and growth. This commitment is built on a foundation of core values such as transparency, integrity, and passion, all aimed at helping small business owners navigate the often difficult journey of business ownership and funding.

The transition from Velocity Business LLC to lendDEFY™ marked a significant milestone, symbolizing not just a change in name but an evolution towards becoming a national brand that champions the success of small businesses across the country. This evolution was accompanied by the acquisition of Click Medias, Inc., a digital marketing company, further expanding lendDEFY™’s ability to support small businesses beyond just financial capital, by also enhancing their digital presence and customer acquisition efforts.

Rodney O’Rourke’s vision for lendDEFY™ was always about more than just loans; it was about fostering a community of successful, resilient, and thriving small businesses capable of taking on big challenges. Through lendDEFY™, Rodney and his team have created a beacon of hope and a reliable resource for small businesses, enabling them to achieve their dreams against the odds.