Great Oaks Bank
Great Oaks Bank is an active SBA lender in Georgia, a bank offering SBA-guaranteed small-business loans. Currently rated 4.9 stars across 40 Google reviews.
About Great Oaks Bank
Great Oaks Bank offers comprehensive SBA lending services tailored to small businesses seeking financial growth and stability. With a focus on supporting local entrepreneurs, the bank provides various loan options including SBA 7(a) loans, which are ideal for working capital, equipment, and real estate purchases. Their experienced lending team guides clients through the application process, ensuring clarity and support at every step. Located in Richmond Hill, GA, the bank is committed to fostering economic development within the community. They leverage their strong banking relationships and local market knowledge to deliver competitive loan terms and personalized service. Whether you're a startup or an established business, Great Oaks Bank provides flexible financing solutions to help you achieve your goals. The bank's primary NAICS code, 811111, indicates a focus on general automotive repair, but their SBA programs support a broad range of industries. Their approval amounts can go up to $263,600, making them a solid choice for small to medium-sized projects. With a history of supporting SBA 7(a) loans, they are well-versed in the requirements and processes involved in government-backed lending programs.
Common questions about Great Oaks Bank
What is this place and what can I find here?
This is a local bank offering SBA loan programs designed to support small business growth, providing personalized service and flexible financing options.
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
It's recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure dedicated time with a loan officer, but walk-ins are also welcome during business hours.
What are the hours of operation?
The bank operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with appointments available outside these hours upon request.
Is there a fee to use this?
There are no fees to visit or consult with the bank; however, loan application and closing fees may apply depending on the financing terms.
Who is this open to — anyone, or only residents/members?
The bank primarily serves local residents and small business owners within the community, but they welcome inquiries from qualified applicants outside the immediate area.
What minimum personal credit score does this bank look for in a guarantor?
A minimum personal credit score of 640 is typically required, though higher scores may improve loan approval chances.
How long does the traditional underwriting process take from start to close?
The underwriting process generally takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the completeness of your application and supporting documents.
Is this open on weekends?
Most banks keep weekday business hours and are closed on weekends, and Great Oaks Bank typically follows the same pattern. SBA lending staff are generally reachable Monday through Friday. A few locations offer Saturday or by-appointment hours, so call Great Oaks Bank to confirm current weekend availability before you go.
How do I get there and where do I park?
Great Oaks Bank is located in Georgia — see the contact card for the full address. Most bank locations offer free on-site or nearby street parking for visitors. For exact directions, the entrance, and accessible parking, use the listed address or call ahead and staff can point you to visitor spaces.
Who owns or operates this listing?
This page is an independent directory listing for Great Oaks Bank, an SBA-participating bank. It is maintained by SBA Lenders USA to help borrowers compare lenders — not by Great Oaks Bank itself, which runs its own lending under its own ownership. If you work at Great Oaks Bank, you can claim this listing from this page to manage it.
How current is the information on this page?
The core details for Great Oaks Bank — name, location, contact, and lender type — are compiled from public records and reviewed periodically. Rates, programs, credit policies, and hours change often and are not guaranteed here, so always confirm the latest terms directly with Great Oaks Bank before applying. If you represent Great Oaks Bank, claim this listing to keep its information up to date.
How do I contact this listing directly?
You can reach Great Oaks Bank by phone at (912) 445-6868 or online at greatoaks.bank — the details are in the contact card on this page. For SBA loans specifically, ask for their business lending or SBA department. Treat this directory page as a starting point and confirm hours and contact details with Great Oaks Bank before relying on them.
What core industries does this commercial bank traditionally choose to finance?
Like most SBA lenders, Great Oaks Bank can finance a broad range of small businesses — common categories include professional services, healthcare practices, restaurants and franchises, retail, light manufacturing, and commercial real estate. Each bank sets its own industry preferences and may avoid sectors it considers higher risk. Ask Great Oaks Bank directly which industries it actively lends to before you apply.
Can I apply for an SBA Express line of credit at this branch?
SBA Express offers lines of credit and term loans up to $500,000 with a faster turnaround than standard 7(a) loans. Whether Great Oaks Bank participates in SBA Express depends on its specific SBA lending authority. Contact Great Oaks Bank and ask if it offers SBA Express and what the current limits and terms look like for your situation.
Does this bank have Preferred Lender Provider status with the government?
SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status lets a lender approve loans in-house without sending each one to the SBA first, which usually means faster decisions. Many established banks hold PLP status, but it varies by institution. Great Oaks Bank can confirm its current PLP standing — ask before you apply if speed matters to you.
Are start-up companies eligible for financing at this traditional institution?
The SBA does fund start-ups, but many traditional lenders prefer at least two years of operating history and may ask newer ventures for a larger equity injection or stronger collateral. Great Oaks Bank's appetite for start-ups is set by its own credit policy. If you are early-stage or pre-revenue, ask Great Oaks Bank directly whether it considers start-up loans.
What are the typical down payment expectations for commercial real estate acquisitions?
For SBA 7(a) and 504 commercial real estate loans, borrowers typically contribute around 10% to 20% as a down payment or equity injection, depending on the property and the deal. Exact requirements vary with your credit, the business, and the lender's policy. Ask Great Oaks Bank what down payment it expects for your specific commercial real estate purchase.
Does this bank impose prepayment penalties on short-term working capital facilities?
SBA 7(a) loans with terms under 15 years generally carry no prepayment penalty, while longer real estate loans can have one in the early years. Short-term working capital lines often have no penalty, but terms vary by lender. Review your loan agreement and ask Great Oaks Bank to spell out any prepayment penalties before you sign.
Can I use loan proceeds from this bank to buy out an existing equity partner?
SBA loans can be used for a partner or owner buyout, including buying out an existing equity partner, when the deal is structured to meet SBA rules — for example, the remaining owner generally must stay actively involved. Approval depends on the specifics, so discuss your buyout plan with Great Oaks Bank to confirm it qualifies and how to document it.
Will historical personal bankruptcies automatically disqualify my loan application here?
A past personal bankruptcy does not automatically disqualify you from an SBA loan. Lenders look at how long ago it was discharged, the circumstances, and how your credit has recovered since. Great Oaks Bank weighs this case by case under its own policy, so be upfront about your history and ask Great Oaks Bank how it evaluates prior bankruptcies.
