How community banks partner with small businesses to keep local economies strong

Business Journals

02-05-2025

The impact small businesses bring to their communities extends beyond sourcing local or increasing foot traffic — though we love those benefits, too. Often, small businesses partner with community banks — amplifying the positive effects on the area.
Talk to anyone at Southern Bank and we'll be quick to underscore our pride for community banking. Yes, we provide top-tier customer service and innovative technology, but most importantly, we view ourselves as part of the community we serve — which means we invest in it, too.
A bank that's aligned with your interests
We're just going to come out and say it: Community banking is good for business.
One of the biggest advantages to working with a community bank is having local insight to banking decisions. In other words, when we discuss your business vision or consider local market factors, we're not doing it from a skyscraper 1,000 miles away. We're having a face-to-face conversation in your community. We know the area and can make strategic decisions to benefit your business.
Oh, and did we mention that local banks can make those decisions faster than banks with multiple layers of bureaucracy, speeding up how fast your business can get down to business?
See the impact in your bottom line
The business model of a community bank like Southern Bank is also good for your business model. Local banking supports lower fees and balance requirements, so you keep more money in your accounts and can invest in growth.
But just because community banks have cost-effective benefits doesn't mean you won't get access to the same premium technology bigger institutions offer. Southern Bank's modern banking tools, like mobile apps and versatile forms of payment, do the heavy lifting behind the scenes so that business owners can spend their time building relationships.
This convenience is a cornerstone of the Southern Bank business app, which ensures small businesses can address banking needs any time, any place. Features like easy-to-download reports and consolidated account details are ideal for organizations that need quick access to important insights.
Even though small businesses often operate in a brick-and-mortar space, they recognize the importance — and convenience — of digital banking. Southern continually optimizes the app, adding new features to simplify all aspects of managing money. For instance, the app allows small businesses to request or send money via Zelle®, expanding the payment options for customers.
A community bank: Where everyone knows your name
You care about building relationships with your customers. So do local banks. They don't just offer friendly customer service; they offer a personal touch, like customized banking solutions based on your unique business.
These tailored solutions are representative of Southern's commitment to our customers' long-term success. Our relationship-driven approach allows us to meet individually with our customers and truly understand their businesses' challenges. If we don't have a relationship or partner that meets a need, we go out and find one.
This customization is also reflected in how we back your vision. Like many community banks, Southern Bank extends loans to local businesses. Just as your business needs are unique, so is the loan program we'll design. Southern's business loans support operational expenses, market expansion, credit lines, and leasing — creating jobs, fortifying the economy, and expanding opportunities for residents in the area.
Your banking partner matters
You put everything into your small business. (Seriously — your savings, your stress levels, and your sleep are all impacted.) Choosing the right bank can help set you on the path to success, while also mirroring your goal of investing in your community.
Contact us to learn more about how Southern Bank can best serve your business's needs.