Best Small Business Bank in Wilmington, NC

If you’re looking for the best small business bank in Wilmington, NC, look to your local First Bank. Our business banking services are designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes by further increasing our small business loan offerings, and we’ve been dedicated to helping small business owners since we opened our doors in 1935.

Small Business Banking from First Bank of North Carolina

You have many banking options available to you throughout all of North Carolina. In Wilmington, NC, there are five First Bank locations. Here’s what helps make us one of the best small business banks in Wilmington and across the nation:

Loans and credit cards — First Bank offers business loans to cover startup or recovery costs, commercial mortgages, construction loans, professional loans, credit lines, credit cards, and more.
Checking and savings accounts — We offer a number of business checking accounts and three business savings accounts and debit card options.
Free financial education for your employees
Merchant services — Utilize First Bank’s payment and payroll processing, check collection, and deposit services.
Treasury services — Enhance cash flow, improve accounts payable, and find new ways to streamline your processes with our customized solutions for larger enterprise companies.

Visit First Bank Today

Visit your nearest First Bank to experience one of the best small business banks you’ll find in Wilmington, North Carolina, and beyond.

*Loans subject to credit approval. See our Terms and Conditions for complete details on our One Rewards Program. MasterCard, Debit MasterCard and the MasterCard brand marks are trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.

**Investment and Insurance Products are NOT Bank Deposits, NOT FDIC-Insured, HAVE NO Bank Guarantee, NOT Insured by any Federal Government Agency, May Go Down in Value.

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Commercial Financing Finding the right commercial financing is easier said than done. If you’re starting a business or trying to grow, finding the right option can be a tough task. Learn more about different commercial financing options and how First Bank can help. Commercial Financing Questions and Options While finding commercial financing can be critical to business development, navigating the process is never easy. Understanding your financing options can be the difference between success or stagnation. Whether it’s knowing how much to borrow or finding a good rate, few business owners can do it alone. There are a range of products for business owners to get capital. Here are some options you will find at First Bank: Lines of Credit First Bank offers several different lines of credit for small business owners. Whatever your needs, you’ll find the flexibility to access your money both quickly and conveniently. And the good news is, once your credit line is repaid, you can reuse it as needed to keep pace as business opportunities arise. SBA Loans Perfect for small business owners, SBA loans are government sponsored. This can help people get started when traditional commercial financing isn’t an option. Learn more about First Bank SBA and how we help small businesses. Loans for Construction Whether you’re building, remodeling, or expanding your space, we can help you find a solution. First Bank’s financing specialists help connect builders and borrowers with the loans they need to get the job done. Business and Commercial Loans Business owners are able to quickly enhance their financing with First Bank’s competitive loans and mortgages. If you’re financing small items or need real estate expertise, these are the best options for you. Find a First Bank Branch Near You We take pride in getting small businesses the financing they need to be successful. Whether you’re just starting up or are looking to grow, we can find the money you need so you can spend time building your business. Get started today by finding a First Bank branch near you! Loans Subject To Approval 2 min read

Southern Supreme Fruitcakes & More – Garage Startup to Global Distributer "I don't like Fruitcake" Not a fan of fruitcake? Neither was Berta Lou Scott until she perfected her version in the 1980s. Her Southern Supreme Fruitcakes have been converting fruitcake foes to fans ever since. Visit the Southern Supreme Fruitcake Online Store A Sweet Success Story Berta Lou Scott’s fruitcake started as Christmas gifts for her friends, family, and clients in their hometown of Bear Creek, NC. Mrs. Scott’s baked goods were always sought after throughout the holidays, but her fruitcake especially garnered attention for its ability to change the minds of those who claim to not like fruitcake. As demand for her fruitcakes increased Mrs. Scott’s late husband, Hoyt Scott, took out a small business loan to increase their production capacity. The Scott family tells their First Bank story like this: “It all started around 1989 when our father/father-in-law “Hoyt Scott” wanted to take out a small business loan. At that time Mr. Jimmie Garner was who we went to see. The story that Hoyt liked to tell was, “I didn’t know who the bigger fool was: the man who wanted to borrow the money to start a Fruitcake business or the man who would loan him the money.” That is what started our relationship with First Bank.” As it turns out they weren’t fools after all. Jimmie Garner went on to become the CEO of First Bank and Hoyt Scott (along with his family) grew Southern Supreme Fruitcakes from their garage to a 40,000 square foot manufacturing, distribution and retail operation where they attract thousands of tourists each year and ship their products globally. Play Not your typical Fruitcake Two big differences set Berta Lou Scott’s fruitcake apart from the rest. Her recipe favors nuts over candied fruit, and her method of slow baking and stirring the dough as it bakes keeps the cakes from becoming dry. In fact, Southern Supreme Fruitcakes will stay fresh and moist without refrigeration for 6 months to a year. This unique baking method has posed a unique set of challenges that the Scott Family has overcome with hard work and ingenuity – something that is on display throughout their manufacturing facility. Thousands of guests tour their kitchen yearly to get a first-hand view of the one-of-a-kind operation which involves a rotating oven that allows trays of dough to move from baking to hand-stirring every 15 minutes until complete. Teams of seasonal workers begin fruitcake production in August and at the height of the Christmas ordering season, they will slowly bake and stir over 3,000 pounds of fruitcake per day. Watch this video to see their kitchen in action > 4 min read

Hurricane Helene Recovery: Financial Assistance Options 1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans The SBA offers a range of disaster loans to individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to cover losses not covered by insurance or FEMA. These loans help cover both personal and business expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. October 15, 2024 Update: The SBA announced that it has exhausted funds for its disaster loan program. Until Congress appropriates additional funds, the SBA is pausing new loan offers. The SBA is encouraging individuals and small businesses to continue to apply for loans given assurances from congressional leaders that additional funding will be provided upon Congress’s return in November. Click here to read the press release. Home Disaster Loans: Available to homeowners and renters to repair or replace damaged real estate and personal property, including vehicles. Business Physical Disaster Loans: These loans are designed for businesses of all sizes to repair or replace damaged property owned by the business, such as real estate, machinery, equipment, and supplies. Private non-profit organizations like charities and churches are also eligible. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): These are working capital loans designed to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and private nonprofits meet financial obligations they can’t cover due to the disaster. These loans are meant to support recovery during the disaster recovery period. For more information, visit the SBA Disaster Assistance website or contact them directly. 2. FEMA Disaster Assistance FEMA offers a wide range of financial assistance programs for those impacted by natural disasters. If you have insurance, file a claim immediately, as FEMA cannot cover losses that are already insured. FEMA provides grants for: Temporary housing Home repairs Other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance You can apply for FEMA assistance online or by calling 800-621-3362. 3. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Individuals who have lost their jobs or had their employment interrupted due to Hurricane Helene may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). This program extends unemployment benefits to those who may not be eligible for state unemployment, such as the self-employed or small business owners. To qualify, you must: Live, work, or were scheduled to work in a federally declared disaster area. Have lost employment or had employment interrupted due to the disaster. Have exhausted regular state unemployment benefits. Eligibility is determined weekly, so you must continue to be out of work as a direct result of the disaster to maintain benefits. Visit the Disaster Unemployment Assistance page of the NC Department of Commerce website for more information about this program. 4. Freddie Mac, HUD, and FHA Mortgage Assistance If your home has been affected by Hurricane Helene and you are struggling to make mortgage payments, Freddie Mac, HUD, and the FHA offer mortgage relief options. These include: Forbearance plans to temporarily suspend or reduce your mortgage payments. Loan modifications to make your mortgage more affordable over the long term. Mortgage assistance programs designed specifically for disaster recovery. Contact your mortgage provider to inquire about disaster relief programs available through these organizations. 5. NC Bankers Association Disaster Relief The NC Bankers Association provides resources and guidance for individuals and businesses impacted by disasters. Through their network, they can help you access financial institutions offering relief, including special loan programs and deferral options for existing debts. It’s worth reaching out to your local bank or lender to inquire about specific programs that may be available to you. Visit the Hurricane Helene page of the NC Bankers Association website for a comprehensive list of resources. 6. WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund – Mountain BizWorks In response to Hurricane Helene, the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, led by Mountain BizWorks, is providing financial relief for businesses across Western North Carolina. This fund is designed to support local businesses that were impacted by the hurricane, offering critical recovery resources, including: Low-interest loans to help businesses rebuild. Emergency financial support to address urgent needs like working capital, repairs, and more. Mountain BizWorks is a community-focused lender that helps small businesses in the region thrive, even in the face of disaster. They are committed to supporting business owners through the recovery process with accessible financing options. Visit their website for more details on how to apply. 7. SBA Microlenders for Business Recovery The SBA also partners with microlenders across the country to provide small loans, typically up to $50,000, to businesses in need of capital. These loans can help cover immediate business needs such as payroll, inventory, and repairs. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, these microlenders are valuable resources for small businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing options. To find an SBA microlender in your area, visit the SBA Microlender List. 8. Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative Appalachian Community Capital has partnered with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief grants to small businesses harmed by Hurricane Helene. The grant program is called the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative. Small businesses can apply for grants up to $25,000 to cover expenses related to recovery and reopening including repair and replacement of physical damage, environmental cleanup, payment of business-related rents or mortgages, employee retention and hiring, and more. The application window for this grant is from October 30 through November 27, 2024. For more information and to apply, visit their website here. First Bank is Here to Help If you have any questions about these resources, our bankers are more than happy to help you navigate the questions you may have. Recovering from Hurricane Helene is a challenging process, but these resources are designed to provide financial relief when it’s needed most. If you’ve been affected, be proactive in exploring the options available to you, from disaster loans to mortgage forbearance. While the road to recovery may be long, these programs can ease some of the financial burdens and help you rebuild your life or business. 5 min read

Why Good Business Credit is Essential for the Success of your Business 1. Better Financing Options When your business has strong credit, it becomes easier to secure loans, lines of credit, and other forms of financing. Not only will you have access to more options, but lenders are also likely to offer you more favorable terms, such as lower interest rates and higher credit limits. Lower interest rates can save your business a substantial amount of money over time, while better terms provide flexibility in managing cash flow, covering operational expenses, or investing in growth. Good business credit reduces the risks for lenders, meaning they are more willing to trust your business’s financial stability. This trust is rewarded through more affordable financing options, which can play a significant role in sustaining and expanding your operations. 2. Higher Credit Limits for Greater Financial Flexibility One of the advantages of good business credit is the ability to secure higher credit limits. For business owners, this is crucial in managing cash flow, especially during times when expenses fluctuate or sales are seasonal. A higher credit limit ensures that your business has the flexibility to cover operational expenses, such as payroll, inventory, or other costs, without having to worry about hitting a credit ceiling too early. Additionally, with a higher credit limit, businesses can take on larger projects, invest in new equipment, or pursue larger contracts without running into immediate cash flow issues. 3. Favorable Vendor and Supplier Terms Suppliers and vendors often evaluate a business’s creditworthiness before extending payment terms. A company with good business credit is more likely to be offered favorable terms, such as net 30 or net 60, which means you have 30 or 60 days to pay your invoice. These terms improve your company’s working capital by giving you the flexibility to pay for products and services after generating revenue from them. Being able to negotiate better terms with suppliers can also allow you to take advantage of bulk purchasing or discounts, further strengthening your profit margins. On the other hand, businesses with poor credit may face stricter payment terms, which can lead to cash flow problems down the road. 4. Lower Insurance Premiums Many business insurance providers look at your company’s credit score when determining premiums. A strong credit score can help reduce the cost of insurance, lowering one of your regular business expenses. Insurance companies view businesses with good credit as being less risky, which leads to lower premiums. For small businesses, every dollar saved is important. Lower insurance premiums mean more capital to reinvest into the business, whether that’s for new equipment, employee training, or marketing initiatives. 5. Business Growth and Expansion Opportunities Strong business credit doesn’t just help you manage daily operations—it also positions your company for growth. With easier access to capital, you can seize opportunities to expand operations, purchase new equipment, hire additional staff, or even launch new product lines. Whether you’re opening a second location or scaling your team, business credit is often the foundation of these major moves. Businesses that can quickly access financing without hurdles are better equipped to take advantage of growth opportunities when they arise. On the other hand, businesses with poor credit may struggle to find the capital they need, missing out on potential revenue and growth. 6. Building Reputation and Trust Having good business credit doesn’t just help with finances—it also signals to potential partners, investors, and customers that your business is financially stable and reliable. A company with strong credit is seen as a trustworthy partner in the marketplace, which can foster stronger relationships with clients and other businesses. Investors are also more likely to invest in a business with good credit, as it reflects sound financial management and lower risk. Similarly, customers often view financially stable businesses as more reliable, leading to increased trust and loyalty. 7. Separation of Personal and Business Finances Establishing and maintaining good business credit allows business owners to separate their personal and business finances. This separation is crucial because it helps protect personal assets in the event of any business-related financial issues. Without business credit, owners often rely on their personal credit to secure loans or credit for their businesses, which can blur the lines between personal and business liabilities. By keeping personal and business finances separate, you also reduce the chances of personal credit being affected by business downturns, which helps maintain financial health on both fronts. Next Steps When you’re ready to expand and grow your business, come talk to us at First Bank. We are dedicated to helping local businesses thrive. Whether you’re looking to improve your business credit or secure financing for expansion, our team is here to provide personalized support every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business succeed. 4 min read

Best Small Business Bank in Wilmington, NC

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Small Business Banking from First Bank of North Carolina

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