The EDC of St. Charles County is pleased to announce the promotion of Louis Shaikun to Vice President, Business Lending.

A longtime veteran of the St. Louis banking industry, Shaikun joined the EDC in 2024 as the organization’s in-house Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Small Business Counselor, where he specialized in helping entrepreneurs and small businesses access capital. During his tenure in the role, Shaikun helped local businesses secure nearly $9 million in SBA 7(a) financing, supporting business expansion and job creation throughout St. Charles County.

In his new role, Shaikun will join the EDC’s Business Lending team, where he will focus on helping businesses access SBA 504 loans, a key financing tool for companies looking to invest in real estate, equipment, and long-term growth.

“Louis brings a rare combination of deep banking experience and hands-on small business counseling to this role,” said Scott J. Drachnik, President & CEO of the EDC of St. Charles County. “His understanding of both the technical side of lending and the real-world challenges business owners face will strengthen our lending team and expand our ability to support businesses at every stage.”

Shaikun said he looks forward to continuing his work in a new capacity. “I’ve seen firsthand how access to the right capital can change the trajectory of a business,” he said. “I’m excited to step into this role and help more St. Charles County businesses make strategic investments that support their long-term success.”