BCT-Bank of Charles Town Approved as SBA Preferred Lender, the First in West Virginia

December 9, 2021
Charles Town, WV, December 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ (OTC:PTBS) – BCT-Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community’s Bank, was recently approved as a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender, the first for a West Virginia chartered bank. As a Preferred Lender, BCT will be authorized to directly approve loan applications instead of processing them through the SBA for approval.
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This added authority benefits small business owners with a more stream-lined application, cost savings, and quicker approval process.

There is a stringent review process by the SBA to be approved as a Preferred Lender and BCT was found to be reputable with an experienced SBA lender and management team.  BCT’s ongoing relationship with the SBA and demonstrated knowledge and expertise with SBA loan requirements were also considerations in their selection as an SBA Preferred Lender. 

“Supporting small businesses is essential to fulfilling our vision of helping our communities grow.  Being selected as a Preferred Lender for the SBA allows us to keep decision-making local to provide access to a broad range of SBA-backed loans,”  stated Alice Frazier, President and CEO.  “Small business owners who apply for an SBA loan through BCT will work with a team of SBA experts ensuring a quality customer experience.”

“The Bank of Charles Town is the first community bank in West Virginia to receive the Preferred Lender Program status,” states SBA West Virginia District Director Karen Friel. “The PLP status can help borrowers get the funds they need quicker than a standard 7(a) loan as the lender has delegated authority.”  

The SBA is a cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise to small business owners and entrepreneurs.  To learn more about the SBA, visit their website at https://www.sba.gov/.

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About the Company

Potomac Bank, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc., was founded in 1871 as Bank of Charles Town and renamed Potomac Bank on November 3, 2025. The Company’s total assets were $976 million as of March 31, 2026. The Bank conducts operations through its nine-branch network and one loan production office serving the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, Washington County, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The Bank offers comprehensive financial solutions through its consumer and commercial banking divisions, Trust, Wealth, and BCT Investments divisions, and its Residential Lending mortgage division. The Bank is also proud to serve its communities as a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender. Over the past several years, the Bank has received numerous awards and recognitions, including American Banker’s “Top 200 Community Banks” and “Best Banks to Work For”, the Journal-News “Best of the Best” award, and the LoudounNow “Loudoun’s Favorite” award. 

The Company's shares are quoted on the OTCID marketplace under the symbol "PTBS." For more information about the Bank, please visit our website at www.potomac.bank.

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