RiverBank Leads Spokane County in SBA Lending
Two years after establishing its Small Business Administration (SBA) lending department, RiverBank Holding Co., the parent company of Spokane-based RiverBank, has become Spokane County’s top SBA lender.
From October 1, 2025, to the end of June 2026, RiverBank originated 36 SBA loans totaling $9.7 million, surpassing the county’s next top lender by four times, according to data from the U.S. Small Business Administration's Seattle District. In fiscal year 2025, RiverBank was also the top SBA lender in the county, originating 26 loans totaling $16.2 million.
To drive growth, RiverBank recruited specialists in SBA lending and promoted an internal employee to a business development role focused on acquiring SBA borrowers, as stated by RiverBank CEO Mike Wilson. As a Preferred Lender Program institution, RiverBank can approve eligible SBA loans internally.
SBA lending diversifies RiverBank’s commercial banking services, strengthening its ability to finance small businesses, according to Wilson. He adds, "For a long time, we did not really embrace SBA lending to the degree that we needed to. As a local community bank, to have that as a really strong product offering makes a lot of sense."
The bank is set to welcome its new director of fintech in the coming weeks, who will oversee existing partnerships and seek new opportunities.
RiverBank, with one office in Spokane’s University District and 43 full-time employees, has maintained a branchless, digital-first model since its founding in 2006. In July 2025, it formed its first partnership with a fintech company, Green Check Verified Inc., to grow deposits, lending power, and national reach while adhering to its branchless strategy.
This partnership, similar to Venmo’s model, allows Green Check’s software to integrate with cannabis businesses’ systems, ensuring compliance with local regulations. RiverBank provides the banking services, creating dedicated accounts for each cannabis business.
With cannabis legal in 41 states and the District of Columbia, RiverBank has capitalized on this emerging market through specialized compliance technology. This focus on commercial lending and technology has contributed to increased net income and deposits for the bank.