SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 11, 2011) - California Bank & Trust (CB&T) ([ www.calbanktrust.com ]) is pleased to announce that it is now offering 25-year fixed-rates on commercial real estate loans qualifying for the Small Business Administration's 504 program. The 25-year fixed-rate option allows small businesses to lock in long-term financing at the current historically low rates. The fixed-rate option is the latest addition to the small business loan options from California Bank & Trust, a bank with a strong track record of reaching out to small businesses in the local community.

SBA 504 loans are designed to provide financing for the purchase of fixed assets, including owner-occupied commercial real estate, at below market rates. The bank's SBA 504 loan program is also providing the ability to refinance debt used to acquire property for a limited time.

"California Bank & Trust is dedicated to promoting small business expansion through a variety of loan programs designed for the specific capital needs of growing businesses," said Chico Perez, senior vice president, SBA sales manager at California Bank & Trust. "It continues to be our long-standing belief that a significant investment in local businesses will prove mutually beneficial for California Bank & Trust and the local community."

California Bank & Trust's investment in the success of small businesses extends to its parent company, Zions Bancorporation, as well. Earlier this year, Zions was honored with a National Association of Development Companies Organization (NADCO) Bank of the Year Award. The NADCO recognized the bank for making the largest number of SBA 504 loan program first mortgage loans nationally for the period October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010.

California Bank & Trust is fully committed to making SBA 504 loans an attractive option when financing commercial properties. The bank is substantially invested in the success of small businesses and leverages its experienced SBA financing specialists to continue to build its small business loan portfolio.

About California Bank & Trust
California Bank & Trust, a subsidiary of Zions Bancorporation (NASDAQ: [ ZION ]), is one of the largest banks headquartered in California with over $10 billion in assets and more than 100 branches statewide. CB&T provides a full array of financial solutions for businesses and individuals, including commercial lending, small business lending, SBA financing, cash management and international banking. The professional bankers at CB&T are backed by major resources, yet maintain local decision-making authority and regional market and industry expertise. They are committed to providing clients with valuable business and economic insights and to connecting them with the beneficial business relationships they need to succeed. CB&T, as part of Zions Bancorporation, is a proud recipient of 14 Greenwich Associates 2010 Excellence Awards in banking. To learn more, visit [ www.calbanktrust.com ] or call (800) 400-6080.

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