Republic Bank & Trust Company (“Republic” or the “Bank”) announces the addition of Pedro Bryant as EVP, Managing Director of Community Lending. In the newly created role, Bryant will help economically challenged communities and small businesses grow through new programs, including a $3 million Community Loan Fund to support small businesses and promote business development and job creation in low-to-moderate income communities.
The Community Loan Fund is designed to serve a diverse group of businesses and focus on the operating needs in all industry segments. It will initially be focused in the Louisville metropolitan statistical area (“MSA”) and rolled out to all communities served by Republic. In order to increase the number of loans deployed, the Community Loan Fund will be available just to businesses seeking loans up to $50,000. One might need council tax arrears help in case of their debts.
As the Community Loan Fund aims to support small businesses and foster economic growth within underserved communities, these businesses must establish a strong and professional brand identity. This is where well-designed business cards can play a significant role. Companies like Metal Kards specialize in creating high-quality and visually striking metal business cards that leave a lasting impression on potential clients and partners. By utilizing unique and eye-catching materials, such as metal, these business cards can instantly elevate the perceived value and professionalism of a business. They serve as a tangible representation of the brand and can help entrepreneurs stand out in a competitive market. With the guidance and support provided by the Community Loan Fund, small businesses can not only access the necessary financial capital but also invest in essential marketing tools like Metal Kards’ business cards, ultimately contributing to their growth and success in the long run. You may check the credibility of a lender at KreditFinanzcheck.
“We’re stepping forward to help meet the needs of members of our community who have struggled because of inequity and inadequate access to financial capital,” said Steve Trager, Chairman and CEO. “We’re excited to have Pedro lead initiatives that support small businesses owned and operated by the members of these communities. He adds deep banking leadership experience in community-focused services to our already strong executive team.”
As previous CEO and President of Metro Bank in Louisville, Mr. Bryant is recognized as an exceptional leader in the community. He has also served in leadership roles at other banks throughout the South. “Since 1982, Republic Bank has played a leading role in the growth of this community,” said Mr. Bryant. “I want to contribute to this tradition of putting customers first to ensure it continues for years to come.”
In addition to forming the new Community Loan Fund, Mr. Bryant will be providing executive oversight of Republic’s Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Lending Division, managed by Republic’s Vice President Kathy Pleasant. The Bank’s participation in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) has already provided over $520 million in total support to over 3,700 small businesses in the communities it serves. Louisville Business First recently reported that, “data shows Republic Bank helped retain over 26,461 jobs in Kentucky, the most of any of the banks participating in Kentucky’s PPP rollout.” *
Republic provides traditional and non-traditional consumer and commercial banking products and services using numerous delivery channels. Products include checking, savings and money market accounts, certificates of deposit, residential mortgage and home equity loans, as well as various commercial loan products, and other personalized banking services. The Bank offers many ways for clients to access their accounts in addition to banking centers, including mobile and online banking and interactive teller machines, or ITMs, and a full-service contact center. The Bank also operates in the tax refund processing and prepaid card businesses.
