Small Town Banks: Thriving in 2023

While big banks loom large on Wall Street, small town banks keep things humming on your street. It’s easy to look at larger banks and think of their power and reach, but small town banks continue to thrive—and to help communities like yours thrive, too—in ways that many people do not realize. Let’s look at the many ways in which these banks inform local life in 2023. 

First off, when it comes to loans, smaller, local banks are easily accessible to customers, making it possible for banks and customers to build relationships with one another. Approving a loan for a person who is a known quantity is a safe bet for a bank, and a great advantage for the customer. 

We like to say, “The bigger the bank, the smaller the customer”—and the converse is true, too. At small town banks, customers are a big deal, and they get the attention they deserve. The bank walks alongside people as they navigate the loan application process, ensuring that every concern is addressed and every question answered.

While many small town bank customers opt to start the loan application process online, it’s also possible to get the ball rolling by visiting the bank and connecting with a loan officer in person. When questions arise over the course of the process, a connection like this is priceless. While big bank customers who have questions about their loans are doomed to linger in indefinite phone-hold limbo, a small town bank customer can reach a real person and get answers to their questions quickly. 

Small town banks are also uniquely positioned to establish meaningful relationships with their communities. They do not serve the interests of Wall Street, so they are able to enrich the communities they call home. They do this by sponsoring local sports teams and helping with school fundraisers and local charities, empowering these organizations and initiatives to succeed in ways they otherwise might not. The result is a win for the community and the banks, too—the sort of victory a whole town can celebrate!

At First National Bank of Sycamore, we are proud to sponsor the Seneca Regional Chamber of Commerce and Heart of Ohio Sports—a Tiffin-based media company that live streams high school and college sports in Ohio so people like you can cheer for your favorite teams from home. 

For FNBS, it’s all about home, as you might have already guessed. We want people in McCutchenville, New Riegel, Sycamore, and Tiffin to thrive, and to know there is a small town bank nearby that cares about them and their communities—because we do! 

Today is a good day to visit us in person at one of our locations to discuss your current financial needs, to ask questions, or even to apply for a loan. We would love to let our loans open the door to your small business dreams today. Just stop in and say hello—we look forward to getting to know you better and helping you find your way when it comes to your finances!