According to his LinkedIn page, Dalglish brings a professional background in the banking industry and is currently an owner of Case Financial, a provider of banking equipment and maintenance services to financial institutions in the Upper Midwest; founder of the Minnesota non-profit United Financials Making a Difference; and an ambassador for NCR Corporation.

"This partnership is a game-changer for Minnesota credit unions and businesses seeking commercial lending, as it allows credit unions throughout the state to compete for larger projects with the competitive terms and service credit unions are known for," Dalglish stated.

A few of UFC's objectives are to reduce costs, increase revenue and create new opportunities for credit unions in the commercial lending space, according to the announcement.

"Our aim is that UFC owners and subscribers all benefit from their shared expertise and bring value to businesses and community developers, all while enhancing the member experience," Dalglish said, adding, "We believe working together will be a catalyst for future development in the credit union industry. As a group, we have taken a creative approach towards financing projects and helping better serve our combined 500,000 members."

UFC's leaders also hope to create a safe zone of innovation for vetting new business ideas within the credit union model, and plan to identify, evaluate and pursue new public-private partnerships within the communities served by their members – with the goal of providing additional lending opportunities, the CUSO said.

"Minnesota credit unions have always been at the heart of small and mid-sized business lending for many communities throughout the state," Boden added. "Combining resources and working together through the United Financials Capital CUSO can extend the reach of credit unions to opportunities often not otherwise available, and truly enable the organizations to be a significant economic engine for growth in Minnesota and beyond."