SAN JOSE, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 14, 2026 / Avidbank Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVBH), the holding company for Avidbank, a California state-chartered bank, is pleased to announce the launch of its new Small Business

<p><strong id="dateline">SAN JOSE, CA / <a href='https://www.accessnewswire.com/'>ACCESS Newswire</a> / July 14, 2026 / </strong>Avidbank Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVBH">AVBH</a>), the holding company for Avidbank, a California state-chartered bank, is pleased to announce the launch of its new Small Business Administration (SBA) Lending division, to continue enhancing its commercial banking suite of products, services, and its commitment to serving small and mid-sized businesses with customized financing solutions.</p><p>The SBA Lending division is an experienced team of SBA professionals with deep expertise across business development, credit, operations, closing, and portfolio management. Brian Harper will lead the new division.</p><p><strong>Brian Harper</strong>, Senior Vice President, Managing Director of SBA Lending, will head the new division drawing on 34 years in banking with 23 years in SBA lending. He has held senior SBA leadership roles at Cadence Bank, SouthState Bank, and Atlantic Capital Bank, with experience building and managing government-guaranteed lending platforms.</p><p><strong>Thomas Rockwood</strong>, Senior Vice President, SBA Banker, will focus on SBA business development and client relationship management. His government lending career began in 2003, and he brings more than 20 years of experience originating SBA and commercial loans, including prior leadership roles at SouthState Bank and several Georgia-based banking institutions.</p><p><strong>Jennifer Zambrano</strong>, Vice President, Senior Credit Manager, will support the division's credit discipline and underwriting standards. She has specialized in SBA credit and underwriting since 2014, with broader commercial lending experience including recent SBA underwriting leadership at SouthState Bank.</p><p><strong>Karen Campbell</strong>, Assistant Vice President, SBA Lending Documentation and Closing Officer, will support SBA documentation, closing, and servicing activities. Her servicing experience spans more than 30 years, with a focus on accurate processing, operational consistency, and support throughout the loan lifecycle.</p><p>In his role leading the SBA Lending division, Brian Harper will report to Arthur Wasson, Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer. The division will focus on delivering government-guaranteed lending solutions to help business owners finance growth, acquisitions, working capital, equipment, real estate, and other eligible business needs.</p><p>"The launch of SBA Lending represents an important expansion of Avidbank's commercial banking capabilities," said Mark D. Mordell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "With the combined experience of Brian and his team, we are well positioned to support small businesses with flexible capital solutions and the responsive, relationship-driven service that defines Avidbank."</p><p>"Avidbank's client-focused model, collaborative culture, and ability to move thoughtfully and efficiently create a strong foundation for building a differentiated SBA lending platform," said Brian Harper, Senior Vice President, Managing Director of SBA Lending. "We look forward to helping entrepreneurs and business owners access the capital they need to grow."</p><p>The new division reflects Avidbank's commitment to expanding its specialty lending capabilities and delivering relationship-driven financing solutions to businesses. By adding SBA Lending to its existing commercial banking, treasury management, and specialty deposit offerings, Avidbank further strengthens the comprehensive financial support it provides to clients pursuing growth and expansion.</p><p><i><u>About Avidbank Holdings</u></i></p><p><i>Avidbank Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVBH">AVBH</a>), headquartered in San Jose, California, offers innovative financial solutions and services. We specialize in commercial & industrial lending, venture lending, structured finance, asset-based lending, sponsor finance, fund finance, and real estate construction and commercial real estate lending. Avidbank provides a different approach to banking. We do what we say.</i></p><p>Contact: Patrick Oakes<br/>Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer<br/>408-200-7390<br/><a rel="nofollow" href="mailto:IR@avidbank.com">IR@avidbank.com</a></p><p><strong>SOURCE:</strong> Avidbank Holdings, Inc.</p><br/><br/>View the original <a href='https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/avidbank-announces-launch-of-sba-lending-division-1190898'>press release</a> on ACCESS Newswire<br/><br/>
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AVBH

Avidbank Announces Launch of SBA Lending Division

Avidbank Launches SBA Lending Division to Expand SMB Financing Capabilities

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>SAN JOSE, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 14, 2026 / Avidbank Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVBH), the holding company for Avidbank, a California state-chartered bank, is pleased to announce the launch of its new Small Business</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Avidbank Holdings unveiled a new SBA Lending division, led by Brian Harper, aiming to broaden its commercial banking suite. The specialized team emphasizes government-guaranteed lending for SMB growth, acquisitions, and working capital, signaling a strategic shift toward higher-margin, relationship-driven financing. The exact impact will depend on loan volumes, underwriting efficiency, and integration with existing services.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Avidbank launches SBA Lending division to expand commercial lending.</li><li>Brian Harper named Senior VP, Managing Director of SBA Lending; 34 years in banking, 23 in SBA.</li><li>Team includes Thomas Rockwood, Jennifer Zambrano, and Karen Campbell with SBA expertise.</li><li>Division to deliver government-guaranteed SBA financing for growth, acquisitions, working capital.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Avidbank Holdings, Inc. (AVBH)</strong>: Launch of SBA Lending could broaden growth opportunities and diversify revenue.</li><li><strong>Brian Harper (N/A)</strong>: Named to lead SBA Lending; carries 34 years in banking and 23 years in SBA lending.</li><li><strong>Cadence Bank (CADE)</strong>: Peer with SBA platforms; Harper previously held SBA leadership roles at similar institutions.</li><li><strong>SouthState Bank (SSB)</strong>: Competitor with established SBA lending capabilities; may influence AVBH&#039;s market dynamics.</li><li><strong>Atlantic Capital Bank (ACBI)</strong>: Industry peer in government-guaranteed lending; provides benchmarking context.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>Category: Corporate Developments. The strategic expansion into SBA lending signals a tangible pivot to higher-margin, government-backed financing, potentially expanding AVBH&#039;s client base and fee income while increasing underwriting and portfolio risk discipline requirements.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Launch signals potential for loan growth and diversified revenue for AVBH.</li><li>Leadership appointments add credibility to the unit&#039;s execution and risk discipline.</li><li>Scale and profitability will hinge on loan volumes and cost of capital over next 12–24 months.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>AVBH announced the launch of an SBA Lending division on July 14, 2026.</li><li>Brian Harper appointed Senior Vice President, Managing Director of SBA Lending; 34 years in banking, 23 in SBA lending.</li><li>Team includes Thomas Rockwood (20+ years SBA/credit), Jennifer Zambrano (since 2014 SBA underwriting), Karen Campbell (30+ years servicing).</li><li>Division aims to provide government-guaranteed lending for growth, acquisitions, working capital, equipment, and real estate.</li><li>Avidbank Holdings is NASDAQ: AVBH, headquartered in San Jose, California.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Bullish over 6–12 months as SBA lending expansion enhances growth, diversification, and fee income.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<p><strong id="dateline">SAN JOSE, CA / <a href='https://www.accessnewswire.com/'>ACCESS Newswire</a> / July 14, 2026 / </strong>Avidbank Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVBH">AVBH</a>), the holding company for Avidbank, a California state-chartered bank, is pleased to announce the launch of its new Small Business Administration (SBA) Lending division, to continue enhancing its commercial banking suite of products, services, and its commitment to serving small and mid-sized businesses with customized financing solutions.</p><p>The SBA Lending division is an experienced team of SBA professionals with deep expertise across business development, credit, operations, closing, and portfolio management. Brian Harper will lead the new division.</p><p><strong>Brian Harper</strong>, Senior Vice President, Managing Director of SBA Lending, will head the new division drawing on 34 years in banking with 23 years in SBA lending. He has held senior SBA leadership roles at Cadence Bank, SouthState Bank, and Atlantic Capital Bank, with experience building and managing government-guaranteed lending platforms.</p><p><strong>Thomas Rockwood</strong>, Senior Vice President, SBA Banker, will focus on SBA business development and client relationship management. His government lending career began in 2003, and he brings more than 20 years of experience originating SBA and commercial loans, including prior leadership roles at SouthState Bank and several Georgia-based banking institutions.</p><p><strong>Jennifer Zambrano</strong>, Vice President, Senior Credit Manager, will support the division's credit discipline and underwriting standards. She has specialized in SBA credit and underwriting since 2014, with broader commercial lending experience including recent SBA underwriting leadership at SouthState Bank.</p><p><strong>Karen Campbell</strong>, Assistant Vice President, SBA Lending Documentation and Closing Officer, will support SBA documentation, closing, and servicing activities. Her servicing experience spans more than 30 years, with a focus on accurate processing, operational consistency, and support throughout the loan lifecycle.</p><p>In his role leading the SBA Lending division, Brian Harper will report to Arthur Wasson, Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer. The division will focus on delivering government-guaranteed lending solutions to help business owners finance growth, acquisitions, working capital, equipment, real estate, and other eligible business needs.</p><p>"The launch of SBA Lending represents an important expansion of Avidbank's commercial banking capabilities," said Mark D. Mordell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "With the combined experience of Brian and his team, we are well positioned to support small businesses with flexible capital solutions and the responsive, relationship-driven service that defines Avidbank."</p><p>"Avidbank's client-focused model, collaborative culture, and ability to move thoughtfully and efficiently create a strong foundation for building a differentiated SBA lending platform," said Brian Harper, Senior Vice President, Managing Director of SBA Lending. "We look forward to helping entrepreneurs and business owners access the capital they need to grow."</p><p>The new division reflects Avidbank's commitment to expanding its specialty lending capabilities and delivering relationship-driven financing solutions to businesses. By adding SBA Lending to its existing commercial banking, treasury management, and specialty deposit offerings, Avidbank further strengthens the comprehensive financial support it provides to clients pursuing growth and expansion.</p><p><i><u>About Avidbank Holdings</u></i></p><p><i>Avidbank Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVBH">AVBH</a>), headquartered in San Jose, California, offers innovative financial solutions and services. We specialize in commercial & industrial lending, venture lending, structured finance, asset-based lending, sponsor finance, fund finance, and real estate construction and commercial real estate lending. Avidbank provides a different approach to banking. We do what we say.</i></p><p>Contact: Patrick Oakes<br/>Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer<br/>408-200-7390<br/><a rel="nofollow" href="mailto:IR@avidbank.com">IR@avidbank.com</a></p><p><strong>SOURCE:</strong> Avidbank Holdings, Inc.</p><br/><br/>View the original <a href='https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/avidbank-announces-launch-of-sba-lending-division-1190898'>press release</a> on ACCESS Newswire<br/><br/>
      <img src="https://app.accessnewswire.com/img.ashx?id=1190898" width="0" height="0"/>

Avidbank Holdings unveiled a new SBA Lending division, led by Brian Harper, aiming to broaden its commercial banking suite. The specialized team emphasizes government-guaranteed lending for SMB growth, acquisitions, and working capital, signaling a strategic shift toward higher-margin, relationship-driven financing. The exact impact will depend on loan volumes, underwriting efficiency, and integration with existing services.

Avidbank Announces Launch of SBA Lending Division

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

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