US Metro Bank Awards $200,000 to Small Businesses

US Metro Bank President and CEO Dongil Kim (front row, fifth from right) poses with grant recipients and event participants during the bankโ€™s 20th anniversary celebration. [US Metro Bank]

Grants Mark Bankโ€™s 20th Anniversary

Forty Businesses Receive $5,000 Each

Financial Education and Lending Advice Also Offered

 

US Metro Bank, led by President and CEO Dongil Kim, celebrated its 20th anniversary on June 4 by awarding grants to 40 local small businesses during a ceremony at its Wilshire headquarters in Los Angeles.

The bank distributed a total of $200,000 through its โ€œGrow Togetherโ€ grant program, providing $5,000 to each selected business. The initiative, conducted in partnership with financial technology company Fiserv, was held for the second consecutive year and expanded from last yearโ€™s funding level.

Applications were accepted through May 10, and more than 140 businesses applied for the grants.

โ€œWe are proud to celebrate our 20th anniversary by providing a larger grant pool of $200,000 with Fiserv,โ€ Kim said. โ€œThe strong response from local businesses reflects the need for programs that support small business growth.โ€

Following the grant presentation, US Metro Bank hosted a lending and business development seminar for entrepreneurs. Participants received information on residential mortgages, commercial loans and SBA financing, and were able to meet one-on-one with banking professionals for personalized consultations.

Kim said the program was designed to provide practical financial assistance as well as educational resources for small business owners.

โ€œOur goal is to help local businesses grow by offering both financial support and access to important banking information,โ€ he said. โ€œWe plan to continue expanding community-focused programs in the future.โ€

Neil Wilcox, Chief Social Responsibility Officer at Fiserv, praised the bankโ€™s commitment to the community.

โ€œWe are honored to be part of US Metro Bankโ€™s meaningful 20-year journey of serving local communities,โ€ Wilcox said. โ€œWe hope these resources help business owners grow, create jobs and strengthen the communities they serve.โ€

The event highlighted US Metro Bankโ€™s continued efforts to support small businesses, a sector widely viewed as a key driver of economic growth and job creation in Southern California.