Customers Bank, which has three branches in the Phoenixville and Malvern areas, is getting recognition for its plan to support and revitalize the communities it serves.

The bank finished ninth in the region’s top 10 lenders for a significant loan program maintained by the federal Small Business Administration (SBA).  This is the second year Customers Bank finished in the top 10 out of 85 banks and lending institutions in the Philadelphia region.

“Finishing in the top 10 for two consecutive reporting periods shows that we’re achieving results as far as funding start-ups and small businesses in the Philadelphia region,” said Richard Ehst, president and chief operating officer.

The bank also recently provided a $2 million loan to The Reinvestment Fund (TRF), a national leader in rebuilding distressed cities and towns.  The loan will be used to fund community and economic development in greater Philadelphia.

The SBA’s 7(a) loan program helps finance small businesses and start-ups that are not able to obtain business loans through traditional lending channels. The 7(a) loans are the SBA’s most basic, most commonly used, and most flexible type of loans.

“These loans guarantee financing for a variety of general business purposes,” said Ehst. “For example, they may be provided for machinery and equipment, working capital, furniture and fixtures, or for the purchase or renovation of buildings or new construction. Making these loans accessible to small business owners is an ongoing focus of our bank.”

Customers Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company in Wyomissing, with branches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and New England.  The community-based, full-service bank has assets of $5.6 billion. The bank plans to launch a BankMobile later this year.