Citizens Bank of Edmond welcomed Bill Briggs, who serves as the Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), to meet with small businesses and discuss policy.
EDMOND, Okla., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Citizens Bank of Edmond welcomed William “Bill” Briggs, Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Briggs, a three-time presidential appointee and nationally recognized authority in small business policy, met with the Citizens Bank of Edmond team to discuss ongoing initiatives intended to strengthen support for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The collaboration between Briggs and Jill Castilla, President and CEO of Citizens Bank of Edmond, began during the COVID-19 pandemic. This period coincided with the SBA introducing unprecedented assistance programs designed to support the stability of small businesses across America. As Acting Associate Administrator in the SBA Office of Capital Access, Briggs was responsible for overseeing the launch of the $800 billion Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and assisted in the management of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
“I highly encourage you to follow the work Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs and Administrator Kelly Loeffler are doing throughout our nation,” said Castilla. “They are champions for highlighting small businesses, expanding programs, dismantling waste and fraud, and rebuilding the SBA into something that’s relevant for our nation’s future.”
Supporting Oklahoma Small Businesses
Small businesses remain a major driver of Oklahoma’s economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, Oklahoma is home to 395,520 small businesses, representing 99.4% of all businesses in the state and employing 706,906 people — more than half of Oklahoma’s workforce.
Between March 2023 and March 2024, small businesses contributed 16,295 net new jobs, accounting for 80% of Oklahoma’s total net job growth during that period.
The impact is also significant in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, where approximately 157,800 small businesses represent 99.1% of businesses and employ 273,957 people.
Briggs’ visit provided an opportunity for SBA leadership, Citizens Bank of Edmond, local businesses and community partners to discuss how access to capital, SBA programs and community banking relationships can continue supporting Oklahoma entrepreneurs and locally owned businesses.
During his visit, Briggs met with the bank’s Board, staff, small business customers and community partners. His tour of downtown Edmond included:
- Around the Corner
- Frenzy Brewing Company
- Vault 405, Citizens Bank of Edmond’s coworking space
- RiSE, Citizens’ Retail Incubator for the Shopkeeper Experience
“Our job at SBA is to counsel, aid, assist, and protect small businesses,” said Briggs. “Jill and the citizens of Oklahoma are exactly what I have dedicated my life to, trying to help small businesses.”
Citizens Bank of Edmond, an SBA Preferred Lender, remains dedicated to helping small businesses succeed by providing modern, accessible and community-centered banking services.
Ready to Explore SBA Financing for Your Business?
Whether you are starting a business, expanding operations, purchasing equipment or exploring your next opportunity, Citizens Bank of Edmond can help you understand available SBA financing options.
Start your SBA loan inquiry with Citizens Bank of Edmond today.
Learn more and begin your SBA loan inquiry.
About Citizens Bank of Edmond
Founded in 1901, Citizens Bank of Edmond is Oklahoma County’s oldest continuously operating community bank and is dedicated to serving customers through innovative banking solutions and exceptional service.
About ROGER Bank
ROGER Bank is a modern, veteran-founded digital bank dedicated to the financial well-being of U.S. military members and their families. Backed by Citizens Bank of Edmond in Oklahoma, ROGER is veteran-owned, led, and operated and was created to revolutionize the banking experience for those in uniform.
Media Contact
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405.341.6650
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SOURCE Citizens Bank of Edmond
