Tacoma-based Commencement Bank is growing its team and deepening its commitment to local small businesses with the addition of Erin Shannon as Vice President and SBA Lending Manager, according to a recent announcement from the bank.

The hire signals a continued investment in Small Business Administration lending — a critical resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners in the greater Tacoma area who are looking to start, grow, or sustain their operations. SBA loans are widely recognized as one of the most accessible pathways to business financing, offering favorable terms that can make a real difference for community businesses.

Commencement Bank has long been a fixture of the Tacoma financial community, and bringing on dedicated SBA lending leadership underscores the institution’s focus on supporting the local economy from the ground up. Shannon’s new role positions the bank to better serve small business owners navigating the loan process and seeking guidance tailored to their needs.

For Tacoma’s entrepreneurial community, having a locally rooted bank with specialized SBA expertise close to home is a meaningful advantage. Whether a business owner is looking to purchase equipment, expand a location, or secure working capital, a knowledgeable SBA lending manager can help turn those plans into reality.

The announcement reflects a broader trend of community banks doubling down on personalized service and local economic development — a welcome sign for the small businesses that form the backbone of Tacoma’s neighborhoods and commercial corridors.

Sources: Chronicle-Tribune