Small business lending

Nearly a quarter of Black business owners seeking Paycheck Protection Program loans last year applied to fintechs — not far behind the percentage that turned to community banks, according to a New York Fed study. Deepening those new relationships could be a major source of growth for online lenders.

Huntingdon Valley Bank in Pennsylvania and First Savings Bank in Indiana are among the banks extending their relationships with software providers to make small-business lending more efficient after the Paycheck Protection Program is phased out.

The Small Business Administration’s sluggish pace in forgiving the biggest Paycheck Protection Program loans is straining relations between banks and some borrowers.

The Amsterdam bank offers to directly credit a small business's invoices early after a vetting process — but before the invoice is paid.

Applications for small business and commercial real estate loans are rising, creating some optimism among lenders — and more temptation to loosen standards to land those borrowers.

On Dec. 31, 2020. Dollars in thousands.

The head of government guaranteed lending at WSFS, Caruso aims to parlay the bank's success with Paycheck Protection Program lending to better serve early-stage small businesses.

As chief credit officer, Horton oversaw the bank's certification as a Small Business Administration lender and participation in the Paycheck Protection Program.

The Paycheck Protection Program has about $8 billion remaining, with those funds earmarked for community development financial institutions, minority depository institutions and other mission-driven lenders.

With the Paycheck Protection Program likely winding down at the end of the month, many lenders are seeing heightened demand for the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) and 504 loans.