ICBA: SBA plans should include community bank role

ICBA told the SBA it should continue partnering with community banks rather than attempting to remove them from the loan origination process.

Details: In a comment letter on the agency’s fiscal 2022-2026 strategic plan and Enterprise Learning Agenda, ICBA said:

• The Enterprise Learning Agenda fails to cite the key role of community banks in SBA's lending activities.

• The agency should revise its strategic plan and ELA to highlight community banks’ critical role in SBA lending to communities without other market lending options.

• Community banks have continually served an integral role in supporting the SBA's lending programs, including 7(a), 504, and the Paycheck Protection Program.

• It opposes efforts to authorize SBA to issue 7(a) loans directly.

• Removing community banks from the SBA lending process would harm them and the communities they serve.