Skip to main content
Back
Scroll to top

Scaling and Growth Articles

Take your business to the next level through an expansion or growth.

Learn About Scaling and Growth

Put the building blocks in place to learn how to scale or grow a business sustainably with these tips from the experts.

All Protecting Your Assets Managing Cash Flow Employee Benefits Preventing Fraud Scaling and Growth Loans and Credit Small Business Essentials Starting Your Business
Image for tile. How to streamline and automate your business Your tools have to grow with you It’s payroll day again. Miguel stares at the screen, hesitating to approve the final batch of payments. Everything looks right — it usually is — but with two new offices for his construction services company opening soon, crews in the field, a network of suppliers, and dozens of large transactions happening every day, he can’t afford to make any mistakes. This moment might look familiar. Going from a new small business to an established one is like going from a one-lane road to a four-lane highway: More traffic, happening faster. How is one person supposed to keep up? The truth is: Manual oversight doesn’t scale Miguel’s dilemma isn’t an uncommon one. Owners of established businesses often find themselves losing hours of valuable time by doing everything themselves. That approach made perfect sense when there were 15 transactions a day — it’s harder with 150. That’s why owners like Miguel need to stop investing more of their own time and start investing in a toolbox that helps streamline, automate, and protect what they’ve built. Even successful businesses often struggle with: High transaction volumes across multiple accounts Manual payment approvals eating time or causing delays Increased exposure to fraud and unauthorized transactions A lack of visibility into real-time cashflow Don’t waste your most valuable resource If you own an established business and you’re still spending time on payroll runs, ACH batches, wire transfers, vendor payments, and deposits, then you’re wasting your most valuable resource. Your time. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: Treasury Services. Treasury Services aren’t a single product. They’re a full suite of business tools specifically designed to help established businesses operate smoothly and safely. Not only do you get your time back — time you could spend on family, strategy, or simply snoozing your 5 a.m. alarm — but you actually reduce the risk of costly errors. What are Treasury Services? Remote Deposit Capture For businesses handling high volumes of checks, this tool lets you make deposits quickly and easily — without making daily trips to your local bank. Electronic payments Send and receive funds electronically to keep business flowing smoothly and reduce your reliance on slower, manual methods. Corporate banking services Unlock the full power of digital banking with tools to assign permissions, grant approval rights, provide control to select employees, and schedule specialized reports in advance. Credit card processing Streamline and simplify card payments with customizable reporting, automatic batching, virtual terminals, mobile processing, and more. Positive Pay Add custom safeguards to your transactions, keeping trustworthy payments flowing while guarding against unauthorized activity. Lockbox services Make it easier to receive payments by mail and turn your accounts receivable into usable cash quickly, cutting labor costs and improving efficiency. Start building better systems today When treasury services are done right, the impact is immediate. Fewer bottlenecks, clarity on cashflow, and less time spent chasing paperwork. If your business has gotten more and more complex over time, but your tools haven’t kept up, it may be time to think about sitting down with a local banker to discuss your options — because we believe that great solutions start with conversations, not applications. 3 min read
Image for tile. Why small businesses need powerful tools Sally’s problem (and her simple solution) It’s 9:12 a.m. Sally refreshes her email while an impatient client waits on the phone. She’s sure she sent the invoice yesterday. It should be there, waiting in their inbox — but it’s not. After months of hard work, her CPA practice is starting to grow… but the tools she’s been using to run her business haven’t kept up. She’s constantly juggling online payment apps, hard-to-track invoices, questions from her two assistants, and phone calls with clients. It’s exhausting. If any of that sounds familiar, don’t worry. The solution may be as simple as choosing a better business checking account. The hard stage that no one talks about Every business reaches a point where things start to shift. You’re not trying to make it work anymore — it actually is working! — but your systems and tools still look the same as they did when you were just starting out. Your business might look something like this: The business is real and starting to grow Revenue is steady and plans for the future are forming Business tools feel scattered, disorganized, or difficult to use You end up feeling like you’re plugging more and more outlets into a power bank, and suddenly there’s no more room — now, when you try to add another piece, something else stops working. The good news: Growing pains are normal for small businesses Most business owners face early headwinds once real growth starts to kick in. There’s nothing wrong with the product or the strategy — they’ve simply outgrown their infrastructure. This is when relying on free or fragmented tools starts to be a huge pain point. Clear transaction records and useful reporting emerge as obvious business needs. Process problems multiply until they start to impact clients and customers. With high demand and insufficient tools, it’s hard to manage the day-to-day essentials — let alone find the time to troubleshoot solutions. But the fix may be as simple as taking a hard look at your business bank account. What should a business checking account actually do? Too many small business owners think that the bank is only there to hold their money. The truth is that a great business checking account can act as the central hub of your entire operation — like a financial breaker panel that keeps everything running smoothly. The right account can help you: Separate your personal and business finances Easily track all of your transactions Simplify payroll, vendor payments, and more At First Bank, we understand that even small businesses have a lot of moving parts. That’s why we created Business Elite Checking. Business Elite helps you move beyond the basics Designed for small and mid-sized businesses that want to streamline and simplify, Business Elite Checking helps business owners cross common pain points off their to-do list. Besides being packed full of perks, it’s also easy to eliminate the monthly maintenance fee by enrolling in useful services like credit card processing or by taking out a business credit card. Get a clear picture of your finances Mixing your personal and business expenses is a headache waiting to happen. Clean separation makes bookkeeping, tax prep, and financial reporting easier. Enjoy more room to grow Business Elite offers 500 free transactions per month and up to $25,000 in cash deposits at no additional charge — because every growing business needs space to operate. Protect your business from fraud As your business scales, so does exposure to fraud. That’s why Business Elite Checking includes identity protection services, data breach support, and sophisticated monitoring tools. Do everything, all in one place The right account makes it easy to manage merchant services, payroll direct deposit, business lines of credit, and more — without having to juggle multiple platforms. Get perks like 24/7 telehealth Access to 24/7 video or phone visits with licensed doctors, providing convenient healthcare for you and your family. All with zero copays. Start building a solid foundation now If your business is moving forward but your tools aren’t keeping up, now is the perfect time to talk to a local business banker about what comes next. You’ve already done the hard work of building something new — together, we can make it even better. 4 min read
The downtown Asheville team is pictured here doing the location ribbon cutting. How A Great Company Culture Helps Grow Your Business How Company Culture Helps Grow Your Business With Kim O’Quinn, Chief Culture Officer It’s easy to think of having a strong company culture as a fun perk rather than a fundamental part of running a successful business. But what if we told you that investing deeply in your company culture could increase the value of your business by more than 200%? Making that investment, while it pays dividends, may be trickier than it seems. The HR management platform Dayforce found that while more than 80% of executives reported investing in company culture, less than half of workers agreed. Here’s the thing: culture isn’t defined by a company’s leaders. It’s created by the choices employees make every day. It’s the heartbeat of your business—the way people treat one another, the way they show up for customers, and the energy that fills your workplace. Your company culture affects your bottom line It’s a mistake to think about company culture like a dessert after dinner. It’s not just a feel-good extra that’s only worth considering once the main course of day-to-day business is already tucked away. In fact, company culture is a direct driver of business performance. It affects your bottom line in some ways that are easy to measure—and some that aren’t. When an employee feels valued and genuinely enjoys coming to work, they’ll bring more energy, creativity, and care to their role. That translates into delighting customers, supporting teammates, and sharing innovative ideas. Enthusiastic employees are also more likely to stick around and grow with the company. At its core, culture is about shared values, beliefs, and behaviors. What makes it distinct is that it’s lived every day… not just written in a handbook or hung up on a wall. – Kim O’Quinn Chief Culture Officer at First Bank At First Bank, we saw the difference firsthand when we rolled out our new mission statement in 2014. As a community-focused bank, we wanted to root ourselves in an authentic identity that reflected both our organizational goals and the day-to-day experience of our employees. That’s how our Promise to Service Excellence was born. When our employees bought in, everything changed. Over the next few years, we saw higher engagement and measurable results—including more than a 200% increase in our stock price. Building your company culture isn’t an indulgence. It’s an investment that pays off. 5 min read
Image for tile. How to Build Business Credit as a New Business: A Step-by-Step Guide 1. Establish Your Business Plan Creating a business plan is the first step when starting a business. It serves as a roadmap, outlining your goals, target market, financial projections, and strategies for success. A well-crafted, documented plan also conveys your vision to important stakeholders like CPAs and attorneys so they can provide tailored financial and legal guidance. A CPA will use your plan to assess budgeting, tax planning, and funding strategies while attorneys will use it to advise on business structure contracts and compliance. Ultimately, a business plan will transform your vision to actionable steps, ensuring professional advisors can help you build a solid foundation for long-term success. 2. Register Your Business With your business plan in hand, and the direction of your advisors, it’s time to set up your business legally. Incorporate your business as an LLC, corporation, or form a partnership. This not only legitimizes your operations but also separates your personal and business finances. Additionally, you’ll also want to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which acts as a social security number for your business. Make sure your business has a registered physical address and phone number, as lenders and credit bureaus will use this information to verify your business. 3. Open a Business Bank Account A dedicated business bank account is the foundation of good business financial management. By separating personal and business finances, you create clear financial records that help build your business’s financial reputation. At First Bank, we offer tailored business banking solutions to help you manage transactions, track expenses, and monitor cash flow—essential components for establishing your business credit. Pro Tip: Don’t settle for just any bank with business checking options. Spend some time researching banks and meet with a few different bankers to make sure you find a financial institution you believe in and a banker that you resonate with. The right banker will consider your full banking picture – offering holistic financial advice specific to your personal and business needs. At First Bank, we provide customized solutions based on a deep understanding of our customer’s financial history, goals, and needs. We even have a checking account that includes telehealth benefits for your employees. Click here to explore First Bank business checking account options or use this link to reach out to a First Bank Business Development Officer. 4. Obtain a D-U-N-S Number A D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet is essential for tracking your business’s credit. It serves as a unique identifier for your company, used by credit bureaus to assess your business’s creditworthiness. This step helps ensure that your business credit is separate from personal credit, which can lead to better loan terms and credit card offers in the future. Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website for more information on how to obtain a D-U-N-S number. 5. Establish Trade Lines with Vendors One of the best ways to build business credit is by working with vendors and suppliers that report to major business credit bureaus, such as Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax Business. Establish trade lines by purchasing supplies or services on credit and consistently paying your invoices on time. A strong payment history is one of the most important factors in building a solid credit score. 6. Determine Your Credit Needs Business credit cards are an excellent short-term tool for building credit, especially when used responsibly. Additionally, you may want to consider other forms of credit that compliment your long-term business goals like a term loan for working capital or a commercial loan to purchase a building. Consulting with a trusted banking partner will help you determine the best financing package that makes the most sense for your business. First Bank offers a competitive business credit card featuring a wealth of benefits like 0% introductory APR, no annual fee, and powerful rewards program. To learn more about the First Bank Mastercard Business Card with Rewards, read our article “4 Reasons Why the First Bank Mastercard Business Credit Card is Good for Business”. 7. Monitor and Maintain Personal and Business Credit Personal credit is crucial for business financing, especially for small businesses and startups. Until business credit is established, an owner’s personal credit will be used by lenders to evaluate trustworthiness of the business itself. Everything from loan and credit approvals, interest rates and loan terms, personal guarantees, business credit card approvals, and business expansion opportunities will look at an owner’s personal credit score. Once your credit is established, it’s important to regularly monitor your credit reports for accuracy. Mistakes can happen, and any errors could negatively impact your score. By reviewing your credit reports from major bureaus, you can correct any inaccuracies and keep track of your credit performance. 8. Build Credit Gradually and Diversify Your Portfolio Building business credit is not an overnight process. Start by using small, manageable credit lines and paying them off in full each month. Over time, this demonstrates reliability to lenders and creditors, which can lead to increased credit limits and more favorable terms. Patience and consistency are key to long-term success. As your business grows, diversifying your credit sources can strengthen your overall credit profile. Consider applying for larger lines of credit, term loans, or equipment financing as your company expands. However, be mindful of your credit utilization ratio. Keeping your credit use below 30% of your available credit helps maintain a healthy score and shows that your business isn’t overly reliant on borrowing. 9. Manage Cash Flow Effectively Good cash flow management is the backbone of maintaining strong business credit. Make sure you always have enough cash on hand to cover expenses, ensuring you can make timely payments on any credit accounts. By maintaining a good relationship with your bank, you can improve your chances of securing future loans or credit increases. Why Choose First Bank for Your Business Banking Needs? First Bank is committed to being the best bank for business in North and South Carolina. We offer personalized service, local expertise, and a wide range of business banking solutions tailored to your needs. Our bankers will give you honest and sound advice that considers your unique situation and your long-term goals. Whether you’re looking to open a business account or apply for a line of credit, our team is here to support your financial growth every step of the way. Want to meet with a banker to discuss how you can improve your business credit? Request a meeting with a Business Development Officer or visit your local First Bank branch today to get started! 6 min read
Image for tile. 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
Image for tile. [First Bank Webinar] Banking on Business: Everyday Strategies for Running Your Business Event Details: Date: Tuesday, October 29 Time: 12-1 pm Location: Zoom Webinar What to Expect: Our First Bank experts will share tips and advice on running your business day-to-day in a dynamic roundtable format moderated by Joe Diggs, SBA Sales Leader. Topics covered include: Cash Management: Efficiently managing your cash flow and financial operations Preventing Fraud: Protecting your business from financial threats Access to Capital: Exploring the best ways to secure funding for growth Growth Strategies: Planning for long-term success Employee Engagement: Building a motivated and dedicated workforce Meet our First Bank Experts: Joe Diggs, SBA Sales Leader Jenna Williams, Director of Treasury Services Rob Patterson, Community Banking Executive Karen Smith, First@Work Business Development Officer Our knowledgeable panel will share their experiences and provide actionable insights, helping you make informed decisions for your business. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, expand, or improve employee satisfaction, this webinar has something for everyone. How to Register: [Registration closed] Can’t Attend? We’ve Got You Covered We understand that not everyone may be able to attend due to scheduling conflicts or potential disruptions, especially with Hurricane Helene impacting parts of the Carolinas. If you’re unable to join the webinar live, whether due to internet access issues or other conflicts, don’t worry! We will be recording the session, and it will be available for you to view on our website. The recording will be posted shortly after the event, so you can still benefit from the expert insights and strategies discussed. Keep an eye on our website for updates, and feel free to reach out to your local branch for any specific questions you may have after viewing the recording. 2 min read
Image for tile. 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
New Goombays Owners Goombays Grille & Raw Bar Joins First Bank We’re proud to welcome Kill Devil Hills landmark restaurant Goombays Grille & Raw Bar to First Bank. Goombays has been an island hot spot since 1992 and recently changed ownership in March 2023. The vibrant chartreuse and aqua building matches the excitement that Goombays new owners, Tony Sipe and Chris Miller, have for their Kill Devil Hills, NC establishment. First Bank SBA Business Development Officer, Chase Zabriskie, was instrumental in securing the funding that Tony and Chris needed to purchase Goombays from its original owners. Commitment and diligence from everyone involved resulted in a custom SBA financing solution that fit Tony and Chris’s unique needs as first-time business owners. “Chase was so invested in our success that we started to think of him as one of our partners. Chris and I have already referred other friends to First Bank and their SBA program, and we will continue to do so. First Bank and Chase will be the first phone call we make when we are ready for our next project.” – Tony Sipe, Goombays Grille & Raw Bar Co-owner   “Quite a few hurdles were jumped along the way. I became not only their trusted banker but a friend who was there to encourage them to keep trying even when it seemed like there was no longer a way forward. Using both our SBA 7a and 504 products, we were able to piece together a creative financing structure that fit the needs of both our borrowers and the sellers. We closed in March 2023 and I was right there with them at the closing table.” – Chase Zabriskie, First Bank SBA Business Development Officer   The Goombays Grille & Raw Bar menu is a crowd-pleasing assortment of seafood, shareable appetizers, and menu staples like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. There’s something for everyone and all ages are welcome. Even their cocktail menu is inclusive — all Goombays bartenders are trained on how to transform their island inspired cocktails into non-alcoholic mocktails. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming Goombays to First Bank! As a result of our ability to secure their business financing, Tony and Chris chose First Bank to also be their primary banking partner. They utilize our SBA 7a and 504 products along with multiple Business Elite Accounts, and Business Credit Cards. We’re proud to offer custom financing solutions to help our neighbors pursue their goals and dreams. For anyone considering an SBA loan, get in touch with our First Bank team of SBA Experts. Navigating SBA programs can be difficult if you’re unfamiliar with the programs. Chase offers the following advice:   Identify Your Goals: Take time to share as much information as possible about what goals you are looking to achieve through SBA financing. Consult With An Expert: Your First Bank SBA expert can guide you through the process and make recommendations for how best to go about structuring your financing. Start Early: Getting ahead of the game on any potential SBA hurdles is the key to keeping the process smooth and efficient. Having an early conversation and choosing the right lender can be the difference in how quickly you get to the closing table. To celebrate our First Bank partnership, the Goombays team sent us this Blueberry Mai Tai mocktail recipe. Cheers! 4 min read
Let’s Partner
At First Bank, our team of business experts partners with you to recommend the right tools for growing your business. See the benefits of having an independent local bank on your team.
First Bank logo
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website are the most popular and useful.