#United States #SBA #Edmond #Citizens Bank #Bill Briggs

Citizens Bank of Edmond Hosts Bill Briggs from the SBA

On October 7, 2026, the Citizens Bank of Edmond had the privilege of hosting William "Bill" Briggs, the Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This visit signified not only a professional milestone for the bank but also a crucial opportunity to underscore the importance of small businesses in Oklahoma's economic landscape.

Backdrop of the Visit

Bill Briggs isn't new to the field; he is a well-recognized authority in small business policy and has been a three-time presidential appointee. His role as Deputy Administrator has positioned him at the forefront of discussions shaping the future of small business support in the nation. The collaboration between Briggs and Jill Castilla, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, ignited during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was when the SBA rolled out groundbreaking aid programs to help sustain small businesses across the United States.

During his tenure as the Acting Associate Administrator in the SBA Office of Capital Access, Briggs played a significant role in launching the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), allocating a staggering $800 billion in support, and overseeing the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

Importance of Small Businesses

Small businesses form the backbone of Oklahoma's economy, accounting for approximately 99.4% of all businesses in the state. According to the SBA's Office of Advocacy, there are about 395,520 small businesses in Oklahoma, employing over 706,906 individuals, which constitutes more than half of the state's workforce. Notably, from March 2023 to March 2024, these small enterprises added 16,295 net new jobs, representing 80% of all job growth in the state.

Briggs' visit was not just ceremonial; it fostered direct communication between SBA leadership, constituents from Citizens Bank of Edmond, and local business owners. The agenda revolved around enhancing access to capital, promoting community banking relationships, and exploring how various SBA programs can empower Oklahoma's entrepreneurs.

Meeting Highlights

During his visit, Briggs engaged in one-on-one discussions with the bank's Board, staff, and small business clients, gaining insight into the challenges and aspirations of local entrepreneurs. His tour of downtown Edmond featured stops at key local enterprises such as Around the Corner, Frenzy Brewing Company, Vault 405 (Citizens Bank of Edmond's coworking space), and RiSE (a citizens' retail incubator focused on shopkeeper experiences).

Briggs emphasized the SBA's mission, saying, "Our job at SBA is to counsel, aid, assist, and protect small businesses." He praised Jill Castilla and the citizens of Oklahoma, highlighting their commitment to fostering an environment where small businesses can thrive.

Looking Ahead

Citizens Bank of Edmond, recognized as an SBA Preferred Lender, remains steadfast in its dedication to providing tailored banking solutions for small businesses. Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to launch or expand their businesses have a reliable ally in Citizens Bank, which offers a range of SBA financing options tailored to diverse needs.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Citizens Bank of Edmond and the SBA signifies a brighter future for local businesses in Oklahoma. With ongoing efforts aimed at fostering small businesses, both organizations are focused on creating a sustainable economic ecosystem. For anyone considering starting a business or looking to expand their existing operations in Oklahoma, Citizens Bank of Edmond stands ready to assist in navigating the accessible financing options available through the SBA.

For more details or to start an SBA loan inquiry, citizens are encouraged to visit Citizens Bank of Edmond's website.