First Growth Capital, a division of First Capital, announced the hiring of Melinda Ficek as vice president. Ficek will be based out of Newport Beach, CA and will be responsible for marketing and business activities to meet the working capital credit needs of small and medium-sized businesses. Ficek has over 15 years in loan origination, product cross-selling, tradeshow representation, and business development.

“Having a business development professional such as Melinda will help us in achieving our growth strategy on the West Coast,” said Jay Atkins, president of First Growth Capital. “Melinda’s promotional and marketing experience in loan origination will expand our market where we can help small and middle-market companies meet their financing goals.”

Ficek stated, “Joining First Growth Capital epitomizes the company’s commitment of developing business in the western region. I am happy to be representing First Growth Capital in the capacity of business development and look forward to adding additional growth to FGC in the coming year.”

Prior to joining First Growth Capital, Ficek was an independent consultant working with C2 Management Group and United Steel Placers. Other previous positions include ABL Business Development for Celtic Bank and Medical Capital, and Senior Loan Officer for E*TRADE Financial. She is a graduate of Grand View College and a member of ACG, CFA, Risk Management Association, and Association of Insolvency and Restructuring.

First Capital provides working capital financing typically ranging from $2 million to $15 million primarily to small and middle-market entrepreneurs with annual sales ranging from $10 million to $250 million.