{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/community-bank","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/community-bank","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"community-bank","term":"Community bank","group":"People and paperwork","definition":"This is a smaller, locally focused financial institution that often specializes in serving local businesses and communities. They can be strong SBA partners.","what_it_means":"Community banks often provide a more personalized lending experience and may be more flexible or creative with local small businesses. They can be a good option if you prefer a closer relationship with your lender, though their SBA loan volume might be lower than larger commercial banks.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/community-bank","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"lender","term":"Lender","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/lender"},{"slug":"commercial-bank","term":"Commercial bank","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/commercial-bank"},{"slug":"plp-lender","term":"PLP lender","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/plp-lender"},{"slug":"small-business","term":"Small business","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/small-business"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"Does the SBA 7(a) loan program require me to use a specific bank or can I choose any bank?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/does-the-sba-7-a-loan-program-require-me-to-use-a-specific-bank-or-can-i-choose-any-bank"},{"question":"Can prior bankruptcies or foreclosures impact my SBA 7(a) loan eligibility?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-7a/questions/can-prior-bankruptcies-or-foreclosures-impact-my-sba-7-a-loan-eligibility"},{"question":"Can cash in the business bank account count as collateral?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/can-cash-in-the-business-bank-account-count-as-collateral"},{"question":"What does 'Preferred Lender Program' (PLP) status mean for a bank?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-does-preferred-lender-program-plp-status-mean-for-a-bank"},{"question":"Does the SBA approve my loan application, or does the bank?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/does-the-sba-approve-my-loan-application-or-does-the-bank"},{"question":"If my business defaults, does the SBA pay the bank directly?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/if-my-business-defaults-does-the-sba-pay-the-bank-directly"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Community bank","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/community-bank","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}