Banking Professionals Team Up to Assist Community Banks Access Capital from the Federal Small Business Lending Fund

Community Bank Capital Access offers support to community banks needing help in the development of plans that will receive regulatory approval

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Community Bank Capital Access, a joint venture between three banking professionals with deep expertise in supporting small businesses, today launched a new advisory service offering counsel to community banks seeking access to capital from the Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF).

“Community banks that qualify to tap this fund cannot afford to miss this opportunity”

The SBLF, established through the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, is a $30 billion fund managed by the United States Treasury Department to support community banks with less than $10 billion in assets and stimulate small business growth. Since the launch of the program, there have been widespread concerns about the terms and application process required of community banks.

Community Bank Capital Access® (www.smallbizlendfund.com) easily addresses these concerns with a turnkey advisory service that provides assistance in identifying a bank’s capital needs, helps the bank access the program and assists the bank in leveraging the capital. If a community bank is successful in lending the money it receives through the program, the preferred stock rate can be as little as one percent.

Community Bank Capital Access’ leadership comprises banking professionals who have specialized experience in three unique but complementary practice areas. Together, they offer expert knowledge spanning the spectrum of issues and complications that face community banks. The three core elements and the partners in charge are:

• Small Business Lending: Jon Winick of Clark Street Capital is a nationally recognized expert in the SBA 504 and 7(a) lending programs, and currently serves as Chairman of the largest SBA lender in Chicago. Clark Street Capital® is a full-service bank advisory, disposition, and asset management firm specializing in real estate loans.
• Bank Regulation: Benjamin P. Shapiro of Belongia, Shapiro & Franklin, LLP is a leading bank lawyer with expertise in regulatory issues, mergers and acquisitions, and bank compliance matters. Belongia, Shapiro, and Franklin, LLP® is a full-service boutique law firm based in Chicago.
• Community Outreach: Alton Bathrick of O-H Community Partners is an economic development and finance expert focused on the small business and urban real estate market. O-H Community Partners® is the nation’s premier economic development consulting firm focusing on small business and social impact.

“Community banks that qualify to tap this fund cannot afford to miss this opportunity,” said Jon Winick, President of Clark Street Capital and Partner in Community Bank Capital Access. “The access to capital with generous terms is something that helps community banks, small businesses, and the economy. It’s a win-win-win scenario.”

The application deadline for community banks interested in the SBLF is March 31, 2011. For more information, please visit www.smallbizlendfund.com.