Leader Bank is a Preferred Lender of the Small Business Administration (SBA). We can provide Paycheck Protection loans to businesses. Let us help you today!
Updated August 23, 2021
Leader Bank, N.A. is partnering with the SBA for Direct Forgiveness of loans up to $150,000. Please navigate to https://directforgiveness.sba.gov to register and start your request. The SBA offers live client services at 877-552-2692, as well as a downloadable user guide.
If you applied for PPP with SmartBiz, your loan was transferred to Customers Bank after you received funds and cannot apply for forgiveness with Leader Bank, N.A. Please visit https://www.customersbank.com/ppp-help-desk for more information. You can also contact the PPP service desk at 833-595-0618.
If you have not yet applied for your 2020 loan, please click the forgiveness link in the banner above to start a request. Your loan information will be available on your dashboard, please fill out the form electronically and submit.
Updated July 21, 2021
Leader Bank, N.A. is a preferred SBA lender, and has been participating in the program since its inception. The PPP was sunset by the Small Business Administration (SBA) on May 28, and Leader Bank is no longer funding any loans.
If you applied for PPP directly at Leader Bank and inquiring about Forgiveness, please email PPPForgiveness@leaderbank.com and one of our team members will respond to your questions. We are only accepting applications for loans funded in 2020 at this time. We expect to begin 2021 forgiveness (first and second draws) later this summer, instructions will be communicated separately.
If you applied for PPP with SmartBiz Loans and were referred to Leader Bank, please email loansupport@smartbizloans.com and their team will be able to assist with your questions. While Leader Bank is listed as the lender of your PPP loan, the approval and underwriting process rests entirely with SmartBiz. Forgiveness for SmartBiz loans will be handled by a different vendor, not by Leader Bank.
Updated March 5, 2021
SBA published a new Interim Final Rule effective March 5, 2021 allowing individuals who file an IRS Form 1040 Schedule C to use gross income (line 7) to calculate their maximum PPP loan amount. New application forms were consequently released, see the What do I need to apply section below to download the latest version.
If you applied for a PPP loan with Leader Bank, N.A. using Schedule C income, and received your funds before March 4, 2021, we will not be able to cancel your application in order to apply for a higher amount.
UPDATED January 13th, 2021
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Treasury Department, announced on January 8, that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. Leader Bank, N.A. is designated by the FDIC as a Minority depository institutions, which promotes the economic viability of minority and under-served communities. Leader Bank, N.A. is designated by the FDIC as a Minority Depository Institution, which promotes the economic viability of minority and under-served communities, and will offer early access on our PPP website to First and Second Draw Loans starting Wednesday, January 13.
Updated Guidance & Resources
What do I need to apply?
A Word From our CEO.
Dear Business Owner:
Thank you for visiting Leader Bank’s COVID-19 SBA relief website. We know that every business has been significantly impacted by this crisis. As a small business owner who founded Leader Bank in 2002 to provide high quality community banking services to our local cities and towns, I understand the challenges our business customers are facing due to the economic uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As an SBA Preferred Lender, Leader Bank, N.A. is proud to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program to help provide small businesses obtain the funding they need to support their employees during these difficult times. Our dedicated commercial lenders and local analysts and underwriters understand the needs of our local businesses, and will work diligently to respond to your needs.
We look forward to working with you and help process your application for a Paycheck Protection Program loan with the SBA.
Sushil K. Tuli, CEO
Any of our SBA professionals would love to speak with you about your lending needs. Call or email today - we are happy to answer your questions whether you need a loan from us right now or are just looking for advice for the future.