Small Business Administration shines spotlight on BBVA Compass with pair of awards
BBVA Compass was recognized by the Small Business Administration with two awards recently, highlighting more achievements for the bank in its commitment to entrepreneurship.
The SBA recognized the bank as its Region VI Highest Unit Volume 7(a) Lender last week, a region that covers five states, including two states in the bank’s footprint – Texas and New Mexico. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Small Business Administration district office also recognized the bank as the Lender of the Year in the area for fiscal year 2016.
“BBVA Compass recognizes that small businesses are integral to growing communities,” said BBVA Compass SBA Division Manager, Greg Clarkson. “If you look around these areas where we were recognized, you’ll see communities filled to the brim with entrepreneurship and commitment to excellence. It’s no coincidence that these are thriving areas, and we want to contribute to the small businesses and entrepreneurs who are passionate about elevating their ideas and strengthening their communities.”
It’s no coincidence that these are thriving areas, and we want to contribute to the small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Nationally, the bank approved 1,801 7(a) loans in 2016, becoming the 7(a) loan program’s fifth most active lender by a total number of loans and 10th by dollar volume. Also in 2016, the bank completed 198 7(a) program loans in the San Antonio-Austin region amounting to more than $39 million, awarding them the honor of Lender of the Year in the area. The San Antonio SBA District Office covers 55 counties within the region, including Bexar, Travis, and Williamson.
The bank’s commitment to small business in the Central and South Texas region also includes its 2015 donation of $1 million to LiftFund, the nation’s largest nonprofit small business lender, to assist in the development of entrepreneurs and small businesses. In honor of the donation and the bank’s longstanding commitment to small business growth, LiftFund named their newest building on its San Antonio campus the BBVA Compass LiftFund Lending and Learning Center.