Second consecutive honor highlights Bank of Utah’s excellence in helping Utah small businesses expand into global markets
Ogden, Utah, May 20, 2026—Bank of Utah has been named the recipient of the Top Export Lender Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Utah District Office for the second consecutive year, as part of the agency’s annual recognition of top-performing SBA lenders.
“Small businesses are the driving force behind our vibrant communities, and we succeed only when we make our communities better,” said Brett Jensen, SVP, SBA administrator at Bank of Utah. “Winning the award two years in a row means we’ve maintained the momentum we’ve established and kept a high standard of client service and success as Utah companies grow their products and services worldwide.”
SBA lending programs are key tools in helping entrepreneurs access the capital they need to start, grow and expand their businesses. Working with a local lender like Bank of Utah helps small business owners better understand SBA loan options and navigate the application process more effectively.
Bank of Utah is a Preferred Lender with the SBA, empowering loan officers to make credit decisions, and review and administer loan applications before SBA final approval. Bank of Utah’s partnership with the SBA enables local decision-making, accelerating the loan funding process. Officers guide small business owners in gathering the necessary documentation, structuring their business plans for maximum impact and presenting financial projections in a way that resonates.
Bank of Utah prioritizes and invests in the customers and neighborhoods it serves, helping local businesses and communities thrive. The bank can offer guidance on financial management and even connect business leaders to valuable community resources.
With over $920 million in SBA-backed loans—$77.5 million contributed by Bank of Utah—delivered to Utah businesses, lending institutions across the state play a critical role in supporting Utah’s growing small business sector.
Bank of Utah and other top lenders were celebrated during National Small Business Week, May 3-9. Utah’s 2026 Small Business Award winners were recognized at a luncheon on April 17.
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About Bank of Utah
Founded in Ogden in 1952, Bank of Utah has been part of the state’s story for more than 70 years. We’ve supported small businesses and helped individuals and families build their futures in communities across Utah — from quiet mountain towns to thriving city centers. With 18 full-service branches, dedicated trust teams, and mortgage specialists throughout the state, Bank of Utah provides personal service and forward-thinking financial tools. The bank’s comprehensive offerings include business and personal banking, mortgage and commercial lending, personal and corporate trust services, and wealth management and investment services.
Recognized as one of the Top 15 U.S. Community Banks of 2024 by S&P Global Market Intelligence and named Utah’s Best Bank by GOBankingRates in 2025, Bank of Utah blends local insight with award-winning strength. Whether it’s the little details in a banking experience or the big moments in life, Bank of Utah is here to help Utahns succeed. Our commitment is to remain strong, trustworthy, advanced, secure and appreciative — to work side by side with clients on their financial journeys, so they can confidently say: “This is my Utah. Bank of Utah is my bank.” Learn more at bankofutah.com or call 801-409-5000.
