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Small Business Essentials

Learn the basics of managing a small business.

Illustration of small business and financial charts.
Developing a Business Plan Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’ financial future and health. 5 min Start
Small Business Banking Services Learn about the services financial institutions provide to support small businesses. 5 min Start
Small Business Financial Statements Learn about the three most important financial statements: balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow reports. 5 min Start
How Businesses Use Credit Learn about the different types of credit that can support your business operations. 4 min Start
How Businesses Obtain Credit Learn what’s needed to obtain credit, so that you’re better prepared when you’re ready to apply. 4 min Start
Financial Wellbeing for Entrepreneurs Learn more about the financial basics of entrepreneurship. 10 min Start

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Find the Best Small Business Loan Rates Near Me at First Bank Searching for some of the best rates and the most flexible terms for your small business doesn’t have to take forever. At First Bank, we believe you should spend more time focusing on ways to expand your small business and less time worrying about financing it. Stop searching for “small business loan rates near me,” and start considering First Bank—where we are dedicated to meeting the financial needs of small business owners. At First Bank, we’re small enough to provide personalized service that you’d expect from your local bank and large enough to offer all the options you need to manage your finances. With more than 100 locations in North Carolina and South Carolina, it easy to find some of the best small business loan rates near you. Small Business Loan Options at First Bank First Bank’s loan options provide you with the financing you need in order to be successful in today’s competitive business world. Services we offer include: Business Loans – Infuse your small business with an immediate lump-sum of cash. Expand your business, finance new equipment, or refinance debt quickly and easily. Lines of Credit – Access cash quickly and conveniently so you can take advantage of business opportunities without having to wait. Commercial Mortgages – Take advantage of our commercial real-estate specialists and get help structuring a loan that meets your needs. Construction Loans – Build, expand, or remodel your business with a construction loan approved by our specialized financing team. Business Credit Card With Rewards – Make purchases for your business when you need to with our Mastercard Business Card with Rewards. SBA Loans – One of our SBA loan specialists can structure a loan for your small business when traditional bank financing isn’t the right fit. Our small business banking options don’t end there. We offer checking and savings accounts, debit cards, merchant and treasury services, and much more. Contact or visit a First Bank location to find out about our all of our business banking options, and learn more about small business loan rates near you. Loans subject to credit approval. 2 min read
Cartoon of man falling as he is trying to juggle papers and books Professional Service Providers: Are You Charging Enough? We talked with Allison C. Shields, a lawyer, owner of Legal Ease Consulting Inc. in New York, author, and consultant who works with professional service firms to help them better manage their cash flow. 3 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
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At First Bank we offer the perfect financial tools for you or your business. With over 80 years of local experience we’re here for you.