Our History

About Community West Bank

A Legacy Built on Investing in Relationships

On April 1, 2024, Community West Bancshares merged with and into Central Valley Community Bancorp and Community West Bank merged with and into Central Valley Community Bank. The resulting company assumed the names Community West Bancshares (NASDAQ: CWBC) and Community West Bank to reflect the combined Company’s expanded Central California territory.

Shaped By Our History

Community West Bank’s history has spanned decades all the while remaining true to it's vision.

The Community West Bank you see today is the product of that history – the embodiment of the vision and values upon which it was established in 1979. The Company opened its doors on January 10, 1980, in the Fresno County city of Clovis, with 12 professional bankers and assets of $2 million.

The Company’s founders were a diverse group of local business owners (including a few former bankers) who lived in the region and knew first-hand how a true community bank would benefit this unique area.

They envisioned a community bank that would invest in and grow the county’s distinctive communities, with Banking Centers that would employ service-driven professional bankers who understood the businesses and needs of their communities. What started in Clovis expanded to the Central Sierra communities of Shaver Lake and Prather, then to Fresno and along the CA Highway 99 corridor to Greater Sacramento in the north, throughout the San Joaquin Valley and west to the Coast. The founders’ vision had been fulfilled, and continues to be realized in Community West Bank’s daily operations.

Elevating Community Banking Since 1980

Community West Bank has an enviable track record of financial strength, security and stability gained over its 45-year history. Today’s Community West Bank is a well-capitalized institution with assets exceeding $3.5 billion as of December 31, 2024. The Company is proud to receive continued industry acclaim and national recognition for its excellent financial performance.

Community West Bank is distinguished from other financial institutions by its people, dedication to client advocacy, exemplary relationship banking, strong community support and its mission to exceed expectations. The Company has a passion for providing customized solutions to guide businesses and communities to succeed through its personal approach and full range of business and consumer banking products, lending and digital services that keep pace with the industry.

We have full-service Banking Centers throughout California’s Greater Sacramento, San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast regions, as well as Commercial Lending, Real Estate, Agribusiness, Private Banking and Treasury Management departments. All are under the umbrella of Community West Bancshares (NASDAQ: CWBC), established in 2000 as the holding company for Community West Bank.

Guided By Our Mission

At its heart, Community West Bank’s Mission Statement has always been about relationships, fostering a culture designed to inspire and empower our team to enrich and invest in every relationship by exceeding expectations. Since opening its doors in 1980, Community West Bank’s competitive advantage has been its people. People guided by a Mission Statement and Core Values that reflect the timeless ideals upon which Community West Bank was founded.

Committed To Our Values

With our growth and success, Community West Bank has remained true to its founding vision and commitment to our core values of Teamwork, Caring, Inclusivity, Excellence, Accountability and Integrity. The Company believes that accountable corporate behavior is essential for a community bank, and works hard to contribute to a more equitable, resilient future for clients, team members, shareholders and the communities it serves.

Invested In Our Community

As a community bank, Community West Bank is closely connected with its communities where team members live, work and raise their families and wants them to grow stronger and more successful. To achieve this, Community West Bank supports a wide variety of community organizations with leadership involvement, financial donations, volunteerism and financial education.


The Company is regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Reserve Board, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation.

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