Farmers and Merchants Bank is a Tennessee-Based Lender of the Year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office for Tennessee today honored five private lending partners for their work delivering capital for small businesses across the State. More than 120 private and nonprofit lending partners delivered more than $670 Million in loan approvals through the 1,065 SBA-backed loans that were approved for businesses in Tennessee during Fiscal Year 2025.
“Access to capital is the lifeblood of every business, enabling them to innovate, expand, and build our local economy,” said SBA District Director for Tennessee David Glasgow. “These awards recognize the vital role that SBA lending partners play in making Tennessee a great place to do business. Increasing access to capital for established business leaders and entrepreneurs is an essential key to success for the growth and vitality of the Tennessee entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
“Thank you to all our winners and the to all of our private and nonprofit lending partners,” said Glasgow. “Thank you for fostering job growth, entrepreneurship, and economic prosperity for families and communities across the State.”
SBA’s Tennessee-Based Lender Award Winners for Fiscal Year 2025:
- Paragon Bank (Memphis) – Top 7(a) Tennessee-Based Lender by Dollar Volume
- First Farmers & Merchants (Columbia) – Top 7(a) Tennessee-Based Lender by Number of Loans (Tie)
- Citizens Bank of Tennessee (Elizabethton) – Top 7(a) Tennessee-Based Lender by Number of Loans (Tie)
- APEX Bank (Knoxville/Camden) – Top 7(a) Rural Lender by Dollar Volume
- Live Oak Banking Company (Wilmington, NC)- Tennessee Rural Lender of the Year by Dollar Volume
The SBA helps small businesses get funding by setting guidelines for loans and reducing lender risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need. For more information about SBA financial and technical support for small business development visit www.SBA.gov or email the District Office at TN@SBA.gov.
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Lender Contacts for Media
| Paragon Bank | Laura Falls | laura.falls@bankparagon.com | 901-322-0623 |
| First Farmers & Merchants | Molly Hissong | molly.hissong@myfirstfarmers.com | 931-380-8372 |
| Citizens Bank | Kevin Jessee | 866-882-2265 | |
| Apex Bank | Tara Mitchell | tara.mitchell@apexbank.com | 865-770-4731 |
| Live Oak Bank |
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
