Only Arizona-Based Credit Union Named SBA Preferred Lending Partner

Arizona Federal Credit Union

Arizona Federal Credit Union announced today it has been designated an SBA Preferred Lending Partner (PLP) by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and is the only Arizona-based credit union with SBA PLP status.

As an SBA preferred lender, Arizona Federal has the authority to approve its SBA-guaranteed loans, which simplifies and expedites the SBA-loan approval process for borrowers. Nonpreferred lenders must submit loan applications to the SBA for approval, which can extend the loan decisioning process.

“Arizona Federal is honored to be named an SBA preferred lender and be able to provide our borrowers with a faster loan processing experience,” said Mike Thorell, Arizona Federal president of commercial and residential lending. “As the only Arizona-based credit union with preferred lender status, we’re able to approve loans for small businesses without sending the loan to the SBA for approval and get needed funds to small business borrowers more quickly.”

To earn the PLP designation, lenders must have a successful track record of processing SBA loans and display a thorough understanding of SBA lending policies and procedures.

In 2019 with Arizona Federal’s historic acquisition of Pinnacle Bank, the credit union expanded its small business services, SBA financing options and commercial lending services. As an SBA preferred lender, Arizona Federal offers both 7(a) loans for new or expanding businesses and 504 loans.

Arizona Federal is a $2.0 billion not-for-profit, local cooperative providing financial services and expertise to more than 135,000 member/owners. Founded in 1936, the credit union empowers members to take hold of their financial future through the delivery of leading-edge self-service tools and mobile apps, competitive rates on loans and deposits, robust home loan solutions, identity protection services, small business banking services, SBA loans and commercial loans. Arizona Federal has a history of local community involvement and is the sponsor of the LiveNation Theatre venue and exclusive credit union partner of the Phoenix Rising FC. The credit union has 14 locations across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Deposits are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. For more information: ArizonaFederal.org.

Speak Your Mind

In Business Dailies

Sign up for a complimentary year of In Business Dailies with a bonus Digital Subscription of In Business Magazine delivered to your inbox each month!

  • Get the day’s Top Stories
  • Relevant In-depth Articles
  • Daily Offers
  • Coming Events