AmPac Celebrates 20 Years of Impact in Small Business Lending, Kicking Off SBA’s National Small Business Week
Friday, May 2, 2025 | Ontario, CA
Ontario, CA – AmPac Business Capital, a mission-driven nonprofit founded in May 2005, will commemorate its 20th Anniversary on Friday, May 2, 2025, at its headquarters located at 3110-B Inland Empire Blvd, Ontario, CA. The milestone celebration not only honors two decades of service to entrepreneurs but also serves as an exciting prelude to National Small Business Week.
The festivities begin at 11:00 AM, featuring a vibrant showcase of AmPac’s “foodie” clients—small businesses supported through AmPac’s lending and coaching programs—offering delicious lunch options outdoors in the parking lot.
At 12:30 PM, AmPac will hold a formal ceremony recognizing key community and financial partners, as well as entrepreneurs who have grown their businesses through AmPac’s innovative SBA loan and CDFI programs.
Recognizing Bank Partners Driving Small Business Growth
Throughout its 20-year journey, AmPac has partnered with financial institutions to help small businesses secure more than $2 billion in capital, supporting the creation of over 7,000 jobs.
- Pacific Premier Bank will receive the Milestone Regional Bank Champion Award for their role in helping deploy more than $182 million in SBA 504 loans through AmPac.
Thomas Galindo, Market President at Pacific Premier Bank, stated:
“I am thrilled for Pacific Premier to receive this recognition, not only because I am a Board member for AmPac, but because I have seen first-hand the growth, talent and commitment of AmPac’s leadership in facilitating results in SBA lending. I work with non-profit organizations, and have served on a number of non-profit Boards. Hilda Kennedy is a visionary and passionate leader, who not only believes in the mission of AmPac, but she is relentless in getting results for small businesses.” - Chino Commercial Bank, a longstanding community anchor, will be honored with the Milestone Community Bank Partner Award for facilitating more than $52 million in capital through AmPac to local entrepreneurs.
Dann H. Bowman, President & CEO of Chino Commercial Bank, commented:
“AmPac is a unique partner that combines integrity, community focus, and deep expertise in small business lending. We’re proud of our partnership and of the hundreds of jobs and new businesses it has helped foster in the Inland Empire.” - U.S. Bank will be celebrated as AmPac’s Milestone Bank Impact Partner. This collaboration has enabled AmPac to launch specialized loan programs and hands-on coaching tools for emerging business owners.
Chris Venhoff, U.S. Bank Senior Vice President and Inland SoCal Market Leader, shared:
“Supporting the development of small businesses and a dynamic workforce is an investment in today and our future. We’re proud to work with AmPac to help small businesses prosper and build thriving communities.”
Spotlight on Small Business Success Stories
In a nod to the power of entrepreneurship, AmPac will highlight the stories of three remarkable clients:
- Royal Inter-Pack International, a women-led manufacturer based in Riverside, CA, used SBA 504 loans to grow from its first location to a second manufacturing facility in Indiana. With a workforce of over 315 employees across both sites, the company leads in sustainable packaging solutions that power global supply chains.
- DVBE Financial Services, a veteran-owned agency led by David Namazi, began at a kitchen table and now employs a team of 20 credentialed brokers across CA and AZ. From a microloan client to a graduate of AmPac’s 18-month Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Incubator, DVBE is now a model for how technical assistance paired with capital creates enduring impact.
- The John Edgar State Farm Agency has scaled from a startup to one of State Farm’s top producers, earning the President’s Circle distinction. Despite industry shifts, Edgar expanded into new states through AmPac’s SBA programs and the Leap 2 Launch business cohort. His commitment to service was evident during the LA Fires, where he supported elderly neighbors in navigating complex insurance claims.
Celebrating with Community and Purpose
Further embodying its “give-back” mission, AmPac has partnered with Lifestream Blood Bank, which will be onsite with a mobile unit accepting donations from attendees. Supporting AmPac in celebrating this milestone are generous sponsors, including: U.S. Bank, San Antonio Community Hospital, Law Offices of Jeff Mulford, California Bank & Trust, Comerica Bank, and Gaddis Legal.
RSVP is required for this special event. Community members, entrepreneurs, and partners are invited to join in the celebration by calling 909-915-1706 to register.
About AmPac Business Capital & the Inland Empire Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
AmPac Business Capital, operating as AmPac Tri-State CDC, Inc., is the only faith-based SBA 504 lender in the nation, and is certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Since 2005, AmPac has provided over $2 billion in financing, launched its mobile app for 24/7 access to capital, coaching, and community, and unveiled specialized programs such as the “It Is Possible” Down Payment Assistance Program.
In 2024, AmPac expanded into new markets by acquiring a 40-year-old SBA 504 lender and growing its team. Now serving California, Arizona, and Nevada, AmPac has introduced AmPac C.A.N., amplifying its commitment to reach underserved entrepreneurs and strengthen regional economies through capital, access, and knowledge.