Greenwood, S.C. — Countybank’s SBA department reached a significant milestone since its launch five years ago as it passed more than $100 million in loan closings. 

The SBA lending program was launched in May 2017 and was awarded preferred lender status in 2018. Countybank is currently ranked #1 in SBA 7(a) loan volume in South Carolina for the fiscal year and is also in the top 150 (#142) in SBA 7(a) loan volume nationally. 

The SBA lending team has seen continued success since its inauguration, with Pick Pickhardt, Senior Vice President and SBA Lending Manager of Countybank, being named SBA lender of the year in 2020 and the team leading the charge to support small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) efforts. Through this program, Countybank closed 912 loans totaling more than $90 million. The bank was also named the top SBA lender in South Carolina in 2021 and 2019. 

“Our community has endured many challenges over the last several years, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to support small businesses across South Carolina,” said Pickhardt. “This milestone speaks to our team’s wealth of experience and expertise.” 

“This is a notable milestone for the SBA lending team, and one worth celebrating,” said Ken Harper, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer of Countybank. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the impact this group has made to our corporate family thus far, and we look forward to celebrating additional success in the years to come.” 

SBA loans offer a multitude of benefits, including long-term financing, excellent business leverage via lower cash injection, and avoiding loan covenants, all while accomplishing an entire project in one loan. Countybank’s SBA lending team consists of Paul Pickhardt, Senior Vice President and SBA Lending Manager; Brad Cantrell, Vice President and SBA Business Development Officer; David Trent, Vice President and SBA Business Development Officer; Jordan Payne, Vice President and SBA Business Development Officer; Lauretta Cross, SBA Loan Administrator, Emily Carter, SBA Processing Administrator; and Rachel Todd, SBA Processing Administrator. 

To learn more about Countybank and the SBA lending program, visit www.ecountybank.com.