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First Women’s Bank tackles small business inequity
Dismayed at the lack of business ownership opportunities and advancement afforded to entrepreneurial women, Marianne Markowitz spearheaded a consortium to form a women-founded, women-owned and...
The benefits of micro-lending programs
Despite the large number of PPP loans distributed to small businesses, funding didn’t always reach those who needed it the most. These community banks are working to fix that through microlending...
The power of a CDFI
First Southwest Bank is carving out new business models to address a need for credit and financial services through nonprofit lending programs and software that leverages its community development...
The community banks standing by hospitality customers
Many hotels and other hospitality businesses haven’t fully bounced back from COVID-19 travel and safety restrictions, but community banks have been by their side through the challenges. Luckily,...
Overcoming banking hurdles for Native American customers
Native American customers on tribal lands have historically been redlined and ignored by the mainstream financial system. Native-owned community banks have been there to serve these communities by...
What’s a special-purpose credit program?
In an effort to help financial institutions expand access to credit, the CFPB recently addressed regulatory uncertainty around special-purpose credit programs, or SPCPs. These programs are intended...
First Home Bank’s PPP pivot
First Home Bank doubled down on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) lending, dedicating its entire SBA lending division and dozens of other employees to delivering much-needed funds to businesses....
Who made ICBA's 2021 list of Top Lenders?
Our top lenders of 2021 made the most of one of the toughest years in recent memory through personal connection, ingenuity and dedication to their communities.
Growing Your Loan Portfolio with Construction Lending
SPONSORED | Community Bankers have historically considered construction loans an essential part of their loan portfolio. The current market conditions lend themselves to an opportunity of portfolio...
Community Bank CEO Outlook 2021: What's the path ahead?
No Magic 8 Ball could have predicted the year community banks had in 2020. What will 2021 bring? Independent Banker’s annual Community Bank CEO Outlook survey asked bank executives how they plan to...
2021’s lending outlook: cautious optimism
Many community bankers are cautiously optimistic that this year will bring the same, if not more, demand for loans. They also describe a year that may bring opportunities to gain market share from...
Banks that found their niche lending markets
Technology has blurred community banks’ geographic borders for some lending niches—but for others, face-to-face remains the gold standard. These community banks know one size doesn’t always fit all.
The pros and cons of niche lending
In niche lending, your community bank’s fate comes down to expertise and passion for the work.
Yes, You CAN Offer Government-Guaranteed Lending Without Burdening Staff
Government-guaranteed lending isn’t just smart—it’s essential for community banks looking to serve more local businesses, add non-interest income, and stay competitive.
How to Balance Collections With Compassion for Customers
Community banks face the delicate task of collecting past-due loans while maintaining a compassionate approach, There are ways to be successful at both, experts say.
5 Essential Treasury Management Services for Community Banks
Discover five essential treasury management services community banks should offer to improve business cash flow, prevent fraud and strengthen commercial banking relationships.
Community Bank Small Business Credit Card Programs
Learn how community banks can leverage in-house or partner small business credit card programs to drive growth.
Strategies for Helping Business Borrowers in Distress
Learn how community banks can identify early warning signs of financial distress and empower borrowers through loan restructuring and proactive communication.
First National Bank & Trust Awards $10,000 in Small Business Grants
First National Bank & Trust in Iron Mountain, Michigan, recently awarded $10,000 grants to two local businesses. The $412 million-asset community bank secured the funding through the Federal Home...
Nonprofit Lending Strategies for Community Banks: 3 Steps to Success
Nonprofit organizations face different funding challenges than for-profit businesses. Learn how community banks can build these relationships, provide nonprofit loans and meet CRA objectives.