
Southern Heritage Bank
Southern Heritage Bank is an active SBA lender in Louisiana, a bank offering SBA-guaranteed small-business loans. Currently rated 5.0 stars across 5 Google reviews.
$3M
in SBA approvals since 2011
12
SBA loans funded
Fitness & Recreation · Restaurants & Food Service · Wholesale & Distribution
Top industries financed
Source: U.S. SBA 7(a) & 504 FOIA loan-approval records (FY2010–present).
About Southern Heritage Bank
Southern Heritage Bank offers comprehensive SBA lending services tailored to small businesses seeking financial support for growth, expansion, or startup needs. With a focus on the local community, it provides personalized banking solutions and expert guidance through the SBA loan process. Their team is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs access funding efficiently, ensuring smooth application procedures and favorable terms. The bank supports various SBA programs, including the popular 7(a) loan program, to meet diverse business financing needs. Whether you're looking for working capital, equipment financing, or real estate loans, Southern Heritage Bank is committed to serving your business goals with flexible options and competitive rates. Their experienced staff work closely with clients to understand their unique situations and craft suitable loan packages, emphasizing quick turnaround times and excellent customer service. As a trusted local financial partner, they aim to foster economic growth within the community while providing reliable SBA lending solutions.
Common questions about Southern Heritage Bank
What is this place and what can I find here?
This is a local SBA lender offering small business loans, including the popular 7(a) program, with personalized service to help entrepreneurs secure funding for growth or startup needs.
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
It's recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure dedicated time with a loan specialist, but walk-ins are also welcome during business hours.
What are the hours of operation?
Southern Heritage Bank's lobby operates Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with drive-thru service Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Please confirm current hours directly with the bank.
Is there a fee to use this?
There are no fees for accessing basic banking services; however, specific loan applications may involve processing or closing fees.
Who is this open to — anyone, or only residents/members?
This service is open to small business owners in the local community and surrounding areas seeking SBA financing.
What minimum personal credit score does this bank look for in a guarantor?
A minimum personal credit score of 620 is generally required to qualify for SBA loans.
How long does the traditional underwriting process take from start to close?
The underwriting process typically takes approximately 30 to 45 days, depending on the completeness of the application and documentation.
Is this open on weekends?
Most banks keep weekday business hours and are closed on weekends, and Southern Heritage 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 Southern Heritage Bank to confirm current weekend availability before you go.
How do I get there and where do I park?
Southern Heritage Bank is located in Louisiana — 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 Southern Heritage Bank, an SBA-participating bank. It is maintained by SBA Lenders USA to help borrowers compare lenders — not by Southern Heritage Bank itself, which runs its own lending under its own ownership. If you work at Southern Heritage Bank, you can claim this listing from this page to manage it.
How current is the information on this page?
The core details for Southern Heritage 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 Southern Heritage Bank before applying. If you represent Southern Heritage Bank, claim this listing to keep its information up to date.
How do I contact this listing directly?
You can reach Southern Heritage Bank by phone at (318) 339-8505 or online at shbnet.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 Southern Heritage Bank before relying on them.
What core industries does this commercial bank traditionally choose to finance?
Like most SBA lenders, Southern Heritage 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 Southern Heritage 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 Southern Heritage Bank participates in SBA Express depends on its specific SBA lending authority. Contact Southern Heritage 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. Southern Heritage 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. Southern Heritage Bank's appetite for start-ups is set by its own credit policy. If you are early-stage or pre-revenue, ask Southern Heritage 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 Southern Heritage 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 Southern Heritage 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 Southern Heritage 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. Southern Heritage Bank weighs this case by case under its own policy, so be upfront about your history and ask Southern Heritage Bank how it evaluates prior bankruptcies.


