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First Bank is One of the Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies in the World

Across The Carolinas 2 min read
First Bank is one of Fortune’s Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies for 2019. Shot of Times Square billboard.

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First Bank is one of Fortune’s Top 100 Fastest-Growing Companies for 2019.

Coming in at number 49 on the list and included among the top newcomers, First Bank was chosen based on its three-year growth rates in revenue, earnings per share, and total stock return. The image above was from Times Square in New York City as we celebrated the news.

Mike Mayer, First Bank’s President and CEO has this to say about making the list:

We are pleased to see First Bank recognized by Fortune as one of the world’s fastest growing companies. First Bank has grown its overall asset size from $3.4 billion to $6.0 billion in the last 3 years and has become the fourth largest bank headquartered in North Carolina. We intend to foster more growth with continued investments in products and technology, while also further strengthening community partnerships across the Carolinas that encourage economic development and improve the lives of our customers—raising all boats with the tide. That’s what it means to be a community bank.

This accolade for First Bank comes just after it was recognized by Forbes as one of the Best In-State Banks for 2019. First Bank was also selected by WalletHub as 2019 Best Bank Accounts for Small Businesses – Rewards, as well as the 2018 Community Bank of the Year by the North Carolina Rural Center.

We’re proud of these accomplishments, but even more, we’re honored to have the opportunity to serve our clients and to support the many towns and cities across the Carolinas. When you’re ready to grow your business, buy a home, learn about setting a budget, or start saving, we’re here for you.

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Image for tile. 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