Announcing the 2024 Tearsheet Lending Awards Winners

Tearsheet’s Lending Awards recognize and celebrate the industry’s top performers in the lending sector.

From innovative startups to established leaders, this awards program showcases the companies and products pushing the boundaries of digital lending and expanding the radius of access to financial services into underserved sectors.

This awards program showcases the achievements of some of the best in the industry and recognizes the great work among peers.

We’re proud to announce the 2024 winners of the Tearsheet Lending Awards.

Non Bank Lender of the Year: Intuit QuickBooks

For the second year in a row, Intuit QuickBooks is this year’s winner of Tearsheet’s Non Bank Lender of the Year. Nearly 40% of US SMB
owners say that the cost and availability of financing has worsened in the last year. Including a new line of credit product, QuickBooks provides solutions that leverage insights and data to inform credit models that expand access to funding, and shorten the time consuming application processes associated with traditional lending. The firm originated $2.4 billion through QuickBooks Capital in FY24, up 28% year-over-year.

Best Data Product for Lenders: Middesk

Middesk won Tearsheet’s Best Data Product for Lenders award for transforming business verification in lending. By aggregating data from multiple sources —such as federal, state, and IRS records— and providing automated risk insights, Middesk’s Verify API and Signal product streamline the approval process for lenders. These tools enable lenders to assess business risk efficiently while ensuring compliance and reducing operational bottlenecks. With real-time updates and risk monitoring, Middesk empowers lenders to expand financial access to a broader range of businesses, helping them meet high compliance standards and make faster, more informed lending decisions.

Best Consumer Lending Program: Prosper

Prosper earned Tearsheet’s Best Consumer Lending Program award for impacting consumer finance through its peer-to-peer lending platform. Founded in 2005, Prosper has enabled over $28 billion in loans, connecting investors with borrowers to support various financial needs like debt consolidation and home improvement. Expanding its offerings, Prosper now provides the Prosper Card and home equity products, enhancing access to flexible credit with clear fees and competitive rates. Using AI to tailor services and offering financial education, Prosper fosters inclusivity and financial well-being, helping millions of Americans navigate their finances in a single, user-friendly platform.

Best Commercial Lending Program: American Express Business Line of Credit

For the second time in a row, American Express has been named Tearsheet’s Best Commercial Lending Program for its flexible and efficient Business Line of Credit, tailored to meet small businesses’ needs. With an online application that connects to business accounts for real-time financial review, most applicants receive a decision in minutes. The product provides flexible terms of 6, 12, 18, or 24 months, allowing businesses to borrow only what they need and pay fees only on the outstanding balance. Offering credit lines from $2,000 to $250,000, American Express also supports direct vendor payments, helping businesses leverage early-pay discounts to manage cash flow effectively.

Bank Lender of the Year: Climate First Bank

Climate First Bank was awarded Tearsheet’s Bank Lender of the Year for its exceptional growth and dedication to impact-driven finance. Surpassing $850 million in assets in just over three years, it stands as the fastest-growing new U.S. bank since 2009. Climate First Bank strategically invests in community initiatives such as renewable energy, affordable housing, and worker-owned cooperatives. Through a partnership with OneEthos, the bank has originated over $150 million in solar lending within two years, setting a high standard in sustainable financing and filling critical market gaps left by larger institutions.