Ascent Bank

This is a local bank offering SBA loan programs and small business financing solutions designed to support entrepreneurs and business growth in Montana.

It's recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure dedicated time with a loan officer, but walk-in consultations may also be available during business hours.

Ascent Bank's Helena locations offer lobby hours from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, with extended drive-up service from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Confirm exact hours and any appointment availability directly with the bank.

There are no fees to visit or inquire; however, specific loan applications may involve processing or guarantee fees depending on the loan type.

This bank primarily serves residents and small business owners within Montana, with some services available to non-residents on a case-by-case basis.

A minimum personal credit score of 640 is generally preferred, but other factors such as business stability and cash flow are also considered.

The underwriting process typically takes between 30 to 45 days, depending on the completeness of the application and loan complexity.

Most banks keep weekday business hours and are closed on weekends, and Ascent 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 Ascent Bank to confirm current weekend availability before you go.

Ascent Bank operates two Helena locations at 1721 11th Avenue and 2037 N Last Chance Gulch. Parking details are not published on their website; contact the bank for information on parking and accessible parking options.

This page is an independent directory listing for Ascent Bank, an SBA-participating bank. It is maintained by SBA Lenders USA to help borrowers compare lenders — not by Ascent Bank itself, which runs its own lending under its own ownership. If you work at Ascent Bank, you can claim this listing from this page to manage it.

The core details for Ascent 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 Ascent Bank before applying. If you represent Ascent Bank, claim this listing to keep its information up to date.

You can reach Ascent Bank by phone at (406) 442-8870 or online at ascentbank.com — 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 Ascent Bank before relying on them.

Based on its approved SBA loans, Ascent Bank most often finances businesses in general retail and restaurants & food service. This reflects Ascent Bank's real SBA 7(a) and 504 lending history rather than a stated policy — it can still consider other industries and sets its own current preferences, so confirm with Ascent Bank which sectors it actively lends to before you apply.

SBA Express offers lines of credit and term loans up to $500,000 with a faster turnaround than standard 7(a) loans. Whether Ascent Bank participates in SBA Express depends on its specific SBA lending authority. Contact Ascent Bank and ask if it offers SBA Express and what the current limits and terms look like for your situation.

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. Ascent Bank can confirm its current PLP standing — ask before you apply if speed matters to you.

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. Ascent Bank's appetite for start-ups is set by its own credit policy. If you are early-stage or pre-revenue, ask Ascent Bank directly whether it considers start-up loans.

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 Ascent Bank what down payment it expects for your specific commercial real estate purchase.

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 Ascent Bank to spell out any prepayment penalties before you sign.

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 Ascent Bank to confirm it qualifies and how to document it.

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. Ascent Bank weighs this case by case under its own policy, so be upfront about your history and ask Ascent Bank how it evaluates prior bankruptcies.