Paragon Bank Named a Tennessee-Based SBA Lender of the Year

01-12-26

Paragon Bank today announced that it was one of five private lending partners awarded a top prize in 2025 by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) District Office for Tennessee. This was for work delivering capital for small businesses across the state. More than 120 private and nonprofit lending partners delivered more than $670 million in loan approvals through the 1,065 SBA-backed loans that were approved for businesses in Tennessee during fiscal year 2025.

Paragon won the Top 7(a) Tennessee-Based Lender by Dollar Volume award.

“Paragon Bank is excited and honored to receive this award. This is a nice recognition of the fine work our SBA lenders and support team put forth each day,” said Andrew Taylor, Executive Vice President — Chief Banking Officer of Paragon Bank. “Our Board of Directors and Executive Management couldn’t be more proud of the team’s effort and dedication to the SBA’s mission of helping small businesses in Tennessee and across the country.”

The SBA helps small businesses get funding by setting guidelines for loans and reducing lender risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need.

“The entire Small Business Capital Group (SBCG) team of Paragon Bank and I are grateful to be recognized as the Top 7(a) Tennessee-based lender by dollar volume award winner,” noted Trae Dorough, President — SBCG. “Our entire bank is supportive of the mission of SBA, which provides capital to small businesses throughout the United States. We look forward to continuing this endeavor for years to come, and remain grateful for the recognition.”

SBA-backed loans open doors to the money small businesses need to expand, hire, and move forward. With helpful terms, they help owners focus on building strong, lasting success, helping the economy of the state of Tennessee and beyond.

“Access to capital is the lifeblood of every business, enabling them to innovate, expand, and build our local economy,” said SBA District Director for Tennessee David Glasgow. “These awards recognize the vital role that SBA lending partners play in making Tennessee a great place to do business. Increasing access to capital for established business leaders and entrepreneurs is an essential key to success for the growth and vitality of the Tennessee entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

For more information about SBA financial and technical support for small business development visit www.SBA.gov or email the District Office at TN@SBA.gov.

About Paragon Bank

Since its founding in 2005, Paragon Bank maintains a solid focus on providing an exceptional customer experience while investing in the communities they serve: Memphis, Tennessee, Oxford, Mississippi, Atlanta, Georgia, Wilmington, North Carolina and Jackson, Tennessee. Paragon delivers innovative products and financial expertise, convenience, and a deep understanding of what both businesses and individuals need from a bank, to provide solutions that make a difference. In the areas of business or personal banking, lending options or wealth management, Paragon delivers cutting edge technology, an experienced team, and the most service-oriented staff of any community bank.

For more information about Paragon Bank, please call 901.273.2900 or toll free at 866.504.5556 or visit us online at www.bankparagon.com.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

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Paragon Bank Named a Tennessee-Based SBA Lender of the Year

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