Peoples Bank & Trust Receives “Rising Star in Rural Lending” by U.S. Small Business Administration Illinois Dist. Office

Pana, Ill. – August 21, 2025 – Peoples Bank & Trust is proud to announce that it has been named the 2024 “Rising Star in Rural Lending” by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Illinois District Office.

This honor recognizes the bank’s outstanding efforts to expand access to capital for small businesses in rural communities, helping them grow, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.

The SBA’s rural lending programs and partnerships are designed to bridge capital gaps in underserved areas, and Peoples Bank & Trust’s dedication to serving rural entrepreneurs has positioned the bank as a leader in this mission. By working closely with small business owners, the bank has helped secure SBA-backed loans that make it possible for rural businesses to start, expand, and thrive.

“We simply haven’t see this type of growth (by a lender). The rational for this award was the increase in this category and recognizing the efforts of Peoples Bank & Trust.” stated, Patrick Piorkowski, Lender Relations Specialist, Illinois Dist. Office, U.S. Small Business Administration.

The SBA Illinois District Office’s “Rising Star in Rural Lending” award highlights lenders who demonstrate exceptional growth and commitment in rural markets. Peoples Bank & Trust’s recent achievements align with the SBA’s broader initiatives, which include:

· Partnership with the USDA to increase investment in rural communities, promote exports, and foster small business development.

· Rural Initiative Pilot Program to expand lending options and ease regulations for small businesses in eligible rural counties.

· Targeted outreach to underserved entrepreneurs, including women, minority, veteran, and rural business owners.

· Collaboration with the Rural Partners Network to connect rural businesses with technical assistance, training, and growth resources.

“Rural communities are the backbone of our economy,” said John Gardner, President of Peoples Bank & Trust. “We’re honored to receive this award from the SBA Illinois District Office and proud to help small businesses in our communities get the resources they need to succeed. This recognition reflects the hard work of our team and the entrepreneurial spirit of our customers.”

The award underscores Peoples Bank & Trust’s commitment to not only providing financial solutions, but also to building long-term relationships with business owners that strengthen the fabric of rural Illinois.

One business that benefited from the banks efforts is Flesor Family Confectionery. Devon Flesor Story, majority owner Flesor Family Confectionary, Inc. , shared, “We are very thankful that Peoples Bank and Trust chose us for a grant to provide resources for our small family business as well as securing financing through the SBA. We are thankful that Dale Boyer and John Gardner believe in our small business and us.”

Willette LeGrant, District Director for Illinois, US Small Business Administration commented, “Small businesses are the engine that drive the growth of our economy. The fuel that helps drive these economic engines are the lenders, like yourselves, that are lending to these small businesses in rural Illinois. Rural Illinois is a huge focus for SBA and the administration.” She concluded by saying, “Thank you to each and every one of you for what you are doing.”

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps Americans start, grow, and build resilient businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships, the SBA delivers services such as access to capital, entrepreneurial development, government contracting, and disaster assistance.

Peoples Bank & Trust is a locally owned and managed, independent community bank with thirteen offices located in Charleston, Altamont, Arcola, Arthur, Tower Hill, Pana, Taylorville, Tuscola, Morrisonville, Springfield, Waverly, Palmyra and White Hall.

Peoples Bank & Trust is a full-service bank offering outstanding customer service to consumers, small businesses, and farmers in Central Illinois. People First Bancshares, Inc., with corporate offices in Pana, Illinois, is the holding company for Peoples Bank & Trust.