Helping small businesses thrive isn’t just about assisting entrepreneurs—it’s about strengthening entire communities. These businesses are the heartbeat of our local economies— creating jobs, driving innovation, and fostering a sense of connection. But as every small business owner knows, success doesn’t come easy. Managing cash flow and navigating insurance options can be challenging and ongoing tasks.
That’s where Jefferson Bank comes in. For almost 80 years, we’ve been a trusted partner to small businesses, offering tailored financial services, expert guidance, and a shared commitment to building stronger communities. We believe local businesses have the power to transform neighborhoods and fuel economic growth.
Let's explore why supporting small businesses matters, how Jefferson Bank can help you succeed, and practical ways you can contribute to your local economy. We want to work together to empower entrepreneurs and create a brighter future for our communities.
Why is Supporting Small Businesses Important?
A thriving local economy benefits everyone—businesses, residents, and communities. Here’s why strengthening local economies through small businesses matters:
- Job Creation: Did you know small businesses create 2 out of every 3 new jobs in the U.S.? By supporting them, communities can tackle unemployment and drive economic growth.
- Stronger Connections: Local businesses don’t just sell products—they create the unique ambiance of the community. By embracing the local culture, they foster a sense of connection with residents as well as attracting tourists.
- Keeping Wealth Local: Unlike national chains, locally owned businesses have the opportunity to reinvest more of their revenue into their communities, creating a lasting financial impact.
- Innovation & Diversity: Small businesses bring fresh ideas and unique services that meet the specific needs of their local markets, fueling innovation and creativity.
Investing in local economies isn’t just a feel-good action, it’s a way to ensure our communities thrive.
How Jefferson Bank Helps Small Businesses
At Jefferson Bank, we know that running a small business is no small feat. That’s why we’ve crafted a suite of services to help entrepreneurs thrive. From tailored treasury products to flexible and secure payment solutions, we’re here to support your vision – empowering you with the tools your business needs to thrive.
Treasury Management Designed for Your Business
Passion drives your business, but the right financial tools keep it running. Our treasury management solutions are designed to streamline your operations, improve cash flow, and help maximize your revenue—so you can focus on growing what you’ve built.
Here’s how we make it easier:
- ACH Origination Services: Simplify payables and receivables with the click of a button.
- Sweep Accounts: Automate transfers to keep your account earning for you.
- Remote Deposit Capture: Deposit checks securely from your office or on the go with a scanner or smartphone.
- Positive Pay: Protect your accounts with robust fraud prevention tools.
Payment Solutions That Grow with Your Business
Your customers expect smooth, flexible payment options—and we’re here to deliver. Jefferson Bank’s Merchant Services provide everything your business needs to accept payments wherever and however your customers prefer, whether in-store, online, or on the move.
Our solutions include:
- Accept Visa®, Mastercard®, Discover®, American Express®, mobile wallets (Apple Pay®, Google Pay®, Samsung Pay®), EMV chip cards, recurring payments, and more.
- Payment tools tailored to your business needs:
- Countertop Terminals: Perfect for retail stores, auto repair shops, or doctor’s offices with high card-present transactions.
- Mobile Processing: Ideal for businesses on the go, like service technicians, hairstylists, or event vendors.
- Point Of Sale Systems: Designed for busy locations like restaurants, coffee shops, or boutiques that need inventory management alongside payment solutions.
- Internet Gateway: Perfect for businesses adding a shopping cart or donation page to their website to handle high online transaction volumes.
No matter your industry or transaction volume, Jefferson Bank’s powerful payment tools can help you attract, retain, and impress customers—all while boosting your revenue potential.
Small Business Assistance
Our commitment to helping small businesses goes far beyond traditional banking. Jefferson Bank is proud to offer:
- SBA Loans: Small Business Administration loans with flexible terms designed to support real estate purchases, equipment upgrades, and expansions.
- Business Credit Cards: No annual fees and plenty of benefits to help manage business expenses efficiently.
Reflecting on how Jefferson Bank supports small businesses, Brian McDonald, Small Business Lending Officer, shared, “We build personal, long-term relationships with business owners. Our local decision makers work to understand your needs and provide tailored funding options for your unique projects or growth plan. As an added benefit, Jefferson primarily lends locally which strengthens our neighborhoods and economy.”
From funding your next big project to learning how to launch your business, Jefferson Bank is here to help you succeed.
Helping Small Businesses Protect What They’ve Built
One of the key components to owning a small business is protecting what you’ve built. Jefferson Bank can assist you in obtaining insurance coverage to safeguard your assets. Sanger & Altgelt,* a subsidiary of Jefferson Bank, offers comprehensive business insurance plans, including:
- Property & Casualty Coverage: Protect your assets, revenue, and employees.
- Cybersecurity Insurance: Stay safeguarded against data breaches and cyber risks.
- Employee Benefits: Attract and retain top talent with expertly managed plans.
- Professional Liability Coverage: Avoid risks like errors and omissions that could impact your business.
“Our team is experienced in crafting insurance programs for small businesses to support their goals. Whether your business is just starting and needs minimum coverages to protect your interests while keeping costs down or if you’re competing for business that requires more complicated coverages to meet contractual requirements or changing environments, we are here to help,” shared Heather Haynes, President of Sanger and Altgelt. “Our goal is to educate our customers on what coverages are available, why they are important and then work together to find a solution that makes sense to their specific business.”
With over 100 years of experience, Sanger & Altgelt can bring you peace of mind knowing that your business is protected.
Learn more about Sanger & Altgelt’s business solutions.
Tips For Strengthening Local Economies:
Whether you’re a business owner or a proud community member, you have the power to fuel your local economy. Even small actions can make a big difference. Here’s how you can play an active role in building a stronger, more vibrant community:
- Shop Local, Make a Big Impact: Every time you choose a neighborhood boutique or a local coffee roaster over big-box stores, you keep money circulating within your community. That dollar you spend locally? It ripples out, driving growth and opportunity for everyone.
- Build Local Partnerships: Business owners, take your impact further by sourcing products and services from nearby suppliers. When local businesses work together, they create a powerful ecosystem of support and long-term success.
- Invest in Your Community’s Talent: Strengthen your local workforce by providing employee training programs or partnering with nearby schools and colleges. Developing local talent ensures your community is ready to thrive—now and in the future.
- Be a Champion for Local Businesses: Love your favorite local spots? Don’t keep it to yourself! Share reviews, recommend them to friends, and spread the word about why shopping local matters. Advocacy can spark a chain reaction of support.
- Mentor and Empower Future Leaders: Established businesses can shape the future by mentoring new entrepreneurs, offering resources, or simply connecting them with the right people. A helping hand today can lead to thriving businesses tomorrow.
By taking even one of these steps, you’re not just supporting your local economy, you’re helping to create a stronger, more connected community.
Partner With Jefferson Bank to Make an Impact
Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities—and their success starts with the right tools, smart financial solutions, and strong local support. At Jefferson Bank, we’re more than just a partner; we’re your ally in growth. From managing cash flow to securing funding and navigating risk, our team is ready to provide hands-on guidance tailored to your needs.
Jefferson Bank is committed to providing the resources small business owners need to succeed. We will be hosting events at our banking centers in the coming months to share products and services to help you take your business to the next level. Be on the lookout for additional details.
Ready to get started today? Contact Jefferson Bank today to see how we can help you achieve your goals and create a lasting impact in your community.
*Non-Deposit Products: are not FDIC insured; are not deposits; may lose value.
