Bank of the Sierra

This is a local bank offering SBA loan programs and small business financing solutions, providing personalized support and expert guidance for entrepreneurs.

It's recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure dedicated time with a loan specialist, but walk-ins may be accommodated depending on availability.

The bank operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours by appointment.

There are no fees to access consultation services; however, loan processing and closing may involve standard SBA fees and charges.

This service is primarily available to small business owners in the region, but eligibility depends on meeting SBA and bank criteria.

Typically, a minimum personal credit score of 640 is preferred, though higher scores improve approval chances.

The underwriting process generally takes between 30 to 60 days, depending on the complexity of the application and completeness of documentation.

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

Bank of the Sierra is located in California — 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.

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

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

You can reach Bank of the Sierra by phone at (559) 782-4300 or online at bankofthesierra.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 Bank of the Sierra before relying on them.

Based on its approved SBA loans, Bank of the Sierra most often finances businesses in construction & contractors, general retail, restaurants & food service, medical practices & clinics, manufacturing, and automotive repair & services. This reflects Bank of the Sierra'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 Bank of the Sierra 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 Bank of the Sierra participates in SBA Express depends on its specific SBA lending authority. Contact Bank of the Sierra 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. Bank of the Sierra 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. Bank of the Sierra's appetite for start-ups is set by its own credit policy. If you are early-stage or pre-revenue, ask Bank of the Sierra 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 Bank of the Sierra 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 Bank of the Sierra 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 Bank of the Sierra 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. Bank of the Sierra weighs this case by case under its own policy, so be upfront about your history and ask Bank of the Sierra how it evaluates prior bankruptcies.