Bell Bank launched Bell Business Credit, a specialty lending team that will provide asset-based lending and factoring services to working capital intensive companies that generate $2 million to $120 million in annual revenue. Bell Business Credit’s offerings will leverage accounts receivable, inventory and equipment to help businesses access working capital for ongoing cash flow, growth financing, turnaround or restructuring, acquisition support and recapitalizations.

Led by Kei Lehigh, who will serve as president of the new division, and Matt Howe, director of credit and operations for the new division, Bell Business Credit will expand Bell Bank’s commercial finance and specialty lending areas. Lehigh and Howe have more than 50 years of combined commercial lending experience.

“We feel very fortunate to have Kei and Matt on board,” Raoul Booton, managing director in Bell Bank’s specialty finance group, said. “Expanding Bell’s commercial offerings with a full suite of asset-based lending and factoring capabilities has been a goal of ours for some time. Finding the right leadership for the new group was imperative. We believe that the expertise Kei and Matt bring to the table, coupled with Bell Bank’s amazing culture and independent ownership, will be a winning combination in this space.”

Bell Business Credit will be headquartered in Bloomington, MN, but will have employees located throughout the United States.