BOA Top Minority Lender

Bank of America today announced that it has been named the #1 Small Business Administration lender to minorities for the second consecutive year. By continuing to focus on the needs of minority-owned small businesses, the bank nearly tripled its overall SBA lending to minorities in 2003.

Bank of America's #1 status was confirmed by numbers compiled by San
Francisco-based consumer advocacy group The Greenlining Institute.

Bank of America, which is also the nation's #1 overall SBA lender (9,406
loans granted in fiscal year 2003), provided 40% of its SBA loans to minority-
owned businesses and 40% of its SBA loan dollars to minority-owned businesses.

"We are committed to the creation of strong communities across America by
helping fuel the economic engine of small business," said Lynn Pike, Small
Business Banking president. "By providing access to capital to a broad
spectrum of entrepreneurs, we are able to help build the neighborhoods in
which we do business."

Key Facts about 2003 SBA minority lending at Bank of America

- #1 SBA lender to all minorities

- 40% of all Bank of America SBA loans supported minorities (3,717 out of
9,406 total loans)

- 40% of all Bank of America SBA loan dollars went to minorities
($128,684,000 out of $320,800,000)

- Ranked number one in loans to Hispanics, Asian Americans and Native
Americans

- More than tripled the number of SBA loans to Hispanics

- More than tripled the number of SBA loans to African Americans

More here.