Choosing the right bank to support your growing business can be a challenge. From small community banks with one location all the way up to large national banks with an ATM on every corner, there’s no shortage of options available. It can be difficult to know which bank will offer the convenience and access to credit you need without sacrificing the level of service you want.

Let’s take a look at how community banks and national banks stack up on a few criteria: ease of credit, technological convenience, and customer service.

As a business owner, you have a lot of control over your financial health. Committing to best business practices can ensure positive growth and prosperity. But unexpected circumstances can occur and derail day-to-day operations. Crises such as natural disasters, injuries or death, sudden windfall of cash, cyber-attacks, equipment failure and fraud can unhinge the stability of the company. That’s why it’s important to have a comprehensive contingency plan in place to limit the risk of financial loss.

As a business owner, there are many close working relationships you have to maintain. Some of these people you likely talk to on a daily or weekly basis. These are the people who help you get your job done, such as your employees, suppliers, manufacturers, etc.

But there are also some important business relationships you have with people who you only talk to monthly, quarterly, or annually. These are the specialists and experts you rely on to advise you about making your business run smoothly, such as your accountant, legal counsel, and other consultants. You may not interact with these people often, but it’s important to know that they’re available with trustworthy guidance when you need it.

According to a recent survey, 14% of small to medium-sized businesses switched banks last year, and another 18% are actively considering making a switch this year. The reasons cited vary depending on each business' complex needs, but three concerns were frequently named: fees, customer service, and access to capital.

From its start in 2011, we have worked to make the Business Resource Center a valuable place for business owners to get useful insights from experts in various fields. Our goal is to help our readers make informed decisions that drive real results in their businesses.

In 2017, we were proud to offer content on a wide array of important topics for all phases of business ownership— from funding a new venture all the way through to successfully exiting and retiring. In case you haven’t gotten to catch up, here are a few of our best articles that you don’t want to miss: