Barbara Morrison, founder and CEO of Oakland’s TMC Financing, is retiring after more than four decades of helping small business owners get SBA financing to purchase the real estate used in their businesses. She often focused on helping underserved entrepreneurs, especially women and minorities.
“Barbara is truly an icon in the SBA 504 community,” DJ Kurtze, TMC financing board chair and Bay Area regional president at Five Star Bank in San Francisco, said in a statement. “Her vision, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to small businesses have shaped not only TMC, but the entire industry.” Read the San Francisco Business Times
In addition to her many professional accomplishments and overall advocacy of women, Barbara has long been an ally and strong supporter of FWSF. Barbara was FWSF’s 2012 Financial Woman of the Year. She has been a panelist at our signature Masters’ Class event, hosted other FWSF events, provided pathways for some FWSF members to be part of TMC Community Capital, afforded mentorship and inspiration, and more.
“13 years ago, I attended my first FWSF event – the Financial Women of the Year Luncheon. I was lucky to be invited to sit at a sponsor table that year when Barbara Morrison, Founder and President of TMC Financing, was honored. I remember the impact it had on me listening to her then-teenage daughters talk about their mom’s success and the role model she has been in their life. At that time, I was starting my 2nd career with 3 young children at home – and was seeking an organization that I could feel connected to. I was so impressed by Barbara and Financial Women of San Francisco that I joined FWSF that day.” – Sue Shaeffer
“I first met Barbara Morrison as a FWSF scholarship recipient through my FWSF mentor. Barbara invited me to help her launch a Community Development Financial Institution. It was a privilege to have her mentorship as we worked together to bring TMC Community Capital into existence. I’m grateful for her commitment to investing in young financial women.” – Hanna Leen
“Barbara has always been a pioneer, willing to forge new paths over less traveled roads. Her energy, enthusiasm, and positivity know no bounds, and she has a clear and laser-sharp vision. I once asked Barbara’s advice on convening a gathering of women in senior real estate roles, and the next thing I knew, she was hosting the entire event. In a word, Barbara is A FORCE.” – Kim Scala
“I first learned about Barbara through the Financial Women of San Francisco network. Years after receiving my own FWSF scholarship, I reconnected with another past scholarship recipient, Hanna Leen, who worked closely with Barbara and introduced me to her and to TMC Community Capital. That introduction and Barbara’s belief in lifting other women as she rises, ultimately opened the door for me to join the TMC Community Capital board.
Serving alongside Barbara has been nothing short of inspiring. She leads with vision, courage, and generosity, always creating space for others and building pathways for women and underrepresented entrepreneurs to access the capital and resources they need to succeed. Barbara’s impact on the Bay Area business community and on the FWSF community, where she has long been a supporter, mentor, and role model is profound. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers and building bridges, and we are deeply proud to celebrate her as part of the FWSF family.” – Mona Ahmadi
“I became a FWSF member in 2012 and joined the Financial Woman of the Year (FWOTY) committee. All was so impressive and not the least that I got to go to Barbara’s office to meet with the camera crew and others for her FWOTY videotaping. I was really impressed with her office space and it is what I think of when I imagine my ‘ideal’ office in San Francisco. I think it was the artsy and personal touch and nice atmosphere.
I’ve heard so many people of my generation complain about the dedication of the younger generations etc. I thought we were doomed for sure until I heard Barbara comment that younger people have so much to offer. It changed my whole outlook on the spot and I since wholeheartedly stay open minded to a different cache of skills that they bring along/offer.
I really like visiting Tiburon and am always proud when I go there that I personally know the once mayor of Belvedere. She is so diverse in her accomplishments.” – Sandra Camacho
Thank you Barbara for the many contributions you have made!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaramorrisontmc
From Connections Newsletter (Member News Series): September 2025