Small Business Essentials Articles

Set your small business up for success with these banking basics.

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From startup loans to banking tools to small business finance tips, learn the ins and outs of running your company with these helpful articles.

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Community Bank for Small Business Since 1935, First Bank has been the go-to community bank for small business owners. Our first branch opened in Troy, NC, where we helped farmers and local business owners manage their funds. We have continued to evolve to meet the needs of our customers, and today we are the top choice for businesses across North Carolina and South Carolina. A Community Bank That Cares About Small Businesses Not all businesses are the same, and we are a community bank with community values that strives to anticipate and meet your needs. Small business owners will find that we offer multiple banking options to fit their needs. Banking: Our checking and savings accounts are designed to accommodate businesses at any level. They range from the most basic Business Essentials plan, to our most advanced Business Advantage Plus plan. Online & Mobile Banking: A business account with First Bank gives you access to our free online and mobile banking services. Quickly and easily manage your funds from your computer or mobile device. Loans & Credit: Whether you are just getting started or constructing your second office, we have options to fit your needs. We offer loans, mortgages, and lines of credit with flexible terms and competitive rates. Merchant Services: With state-of-the-art transaction processing services, we make processing credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, and electronic checks easy for your business. Treasury Services: From deposit services to payroll direct deposit, we offer a wide range of cash management services to enhance your business. SBA Loans: This government-sponsored small business loan features flexible terms and competitive rates when traditional bank financing isn’t an option. We are a community bank for small business owners, so we understand that growing a business takes work. FitSmallBusiness recently rated us as one of the best SBA lenders in the nation. Let us handle the money so you can get down to business. Click here to find a branch near you. Account service fees may apply as described in the Account Services Fee Schedule or at your local branch. Sources: FitSmallBusiness.com:https://fitsmallbusiness.com/best-sba-lender/ 2 min read

Where to Get Payroll Services If you are wondering where to get payroll services, consider First Bank. With First Bank’s payroll services, you can: Reduce expenses associated with paper-based payment systems like printing and storing of checks. Manage risks by reducing check fraud losses. Submit transaction information directly through our online banking system. Handle direct deposits into employee accounts without having to write checks. Payroll Services from First Bank If you want to cut business costs and start saving money, switching to a payroll service is a great way to begin. Payroll services enable you to maintain control of your funds until you need them, all while eliminating the need to buy paper excess paper or to hire a bookkeeper. With First Bank, you don’t have to wonder where to get payroll services anymore. Our Payroll Direct Deposit service can be used to disburse funds such as:* Direct deposit of payroll Expense reimbursement Royalty payments Vendor payments Our electronic disbursement payments give you control of your funds until the moment you need them to cover disbursements. You can also reduce the time and expense or writing, processing, and reconciling checks when you provide information electronically. If your company uses payroll, pensions, expense reimbursements, annuities, dividends, interest, or royalties and has vendors interested in electronic payments—First Bank’s payroll solutions might be a great solution for your business. Visit a branch near you for a free small business financial consultation or more information. *Subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Business News Daily: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7477-choosing-payroll-service.html Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/disbursement.asp 2 min read

Small Business Bank – North Carolina First Bank has become the small business bank in North Carolina for owners across the state. We were named one of the best banks in North Carolina by Forbes. We provide the diverse selection of services you expect from a national bank, with the personalized care of a community bank. North Carolina’s Small Business Bank As a local bank with several locations in North Carolina, we go out of our way to lend a helping hand to small businesses. Here’s how we can serve your small business needs: Loans Business Loans: Receive a lump sum of cash to finance everything you need to get your business off and running. Use the money to buy vehicles, inventory, equipment, or supplies. Credit Line: Use a business line of credit to make purchases as needed. The flexibility of this loan allows you to borrow and repay regularly. Business Credit Card: Take advantage of low rates, no annual fees, and a rewards program for eligible cards to back your small business needs. Use the card as often as you wish. Commercial Mortgages: Finance your place of business with First Bank’s competitive lending. Consult with our commercial mortgage experts for market area expertise and industry knowledge. Construction Loans: Use this option to pay for new construction, remodeling, or expansion of your building. Business Checking and Savings Accounts We offer 5 business checking accounts, 3 business savings accounts, and a group banking account. Our checking accounts are: Business Essentials — Great for small businesses with basic banking needs. Business Interest — An interest-earning business checking account. Business Advantage — Good for established businesses with higher transaction volumes. Community Checking — Best for nonprofits and community organizations. Commercial Analysis — For business that need comprehensive management services. Our savings accounts are: Business Savings — A basic account with a low minimum balance. Money Market — Offers higher rates and a high level of liquidity. CDs — Offers a guaranteed return with a fixed rate and choice of terms. Our group banking account offers banking benefits for you and your coworkers, including: Free online and mobile banking* Credit and Debit Cards With a First Bank business debit or credit card you can enjoy many benefits, such as: Zero liability Worldwide acceptance Purchase assurance MasterCard Global 3 min read

Wondering Where to Get Mobile Merchant Services? Wondering where to get mobile merchant services for your business? First Bank can help you with all of your business needs, including in-store and mobile merchant services such as payment processing, reporting, and check collection. Find your nearest First Bank location today to find out how doing business can get a whole lot easier. Mobile Credit Card Processing Services at First Bank The ability to accept and process credit and debit card transactions is essential to doing business in today’s market. With an estimated 176 million credit card users in the United States, it’s important to make sure that your business is able to accommodate your customers. By providing a selection of payment options for your customers, you can simplify your business operations and increase your revenue. First Bank’s merchant services can help your business accept several different payment options in-store and mobile, including credit cards, debit cards, electronic checks, gift cards, and more. Our credit card processing can: Reducing payment risks Creating purchasing mobility Expanding your customer base Improving revenue capture Types of Merchant Services Available Here are a variety of merchant services that First Bank offers: Payment Processing & Management These payment processing and management services provide a pricing advantage with equipment and software that allow business owners to process payments through point-of-sale terminals, Internet, wireless, mobile, and integrated solutions. This includes products such as: Credit Card Processing: In-Store & Mobile Reconciliation & Reporting Streamline your payment processing operations with a user-friendly, online management and reporting system. This includes: Comprehensive activity reports that allow access to all your business payment card transactions. User controls that help to create your own reports based on needed required information. The ability to respond online to chargebacks and retrievals, including exporting reports to Excel for further analysis. Reports for adjustment history, authorizations, and merchant statements when you need it. Check Collection With a two-step verification process, you can increase the profitability of your business by reducing liability, get protected against losses, and increase your sales by securely and quickly accepting checks through our verification and guarantee. Get Mobile Merchant Services Today at Your Nearest First Bank Since 1935, First Bank has been helping businesses succeed in an increasingly competitive market. Visit your nearest branch today and see what our friendly staff 2 min read

ACH Positive Pay If you are a business owner, you should spend your time worrying about growing a successful business, not worrying about fraudulent transactions. That’s where ACH Positive Pay comes in. What is ACH Positive Pay? We’re glad you asked. What is ACH Positive Pay? ACH Positive Pay helps guard your business against unauthorized electronic activity. ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, which is a network that processes electronic payments. There are multiple benefits to using ACH Positive pay, such as: Payments are credited to your account so you won’t need to take checks to the bank ACH processing typically comes with fewer errors than collecting and depositing paper checks You can automate attempts to collect bad checks, so you won’t have to deal with the same check twice ACH Positive Pay at First Bank First Bank provides ACH Positive Pay that allows business to collect payments from their customers, make payments to their vendors, and deposit payroll funds into their employees’ bank accounts. We can provide full ACH Positive Pay, which means any transaction that does not meet your requirements would require your approval. Or we will send you an email each time an ACH transaction posts to your account. ACH Positive Pay is very user-friendly. Instead of having to go online to approve a payment or transaction, the system will call your phone and all you have to do is enter an authorization code to approve the payment. You’ll no longer have to go to the post office to mail checks, which will save you time and money. If your company has experienced check fraud loss and wants to reduce exposure to fraudulent transactions, First Bank’s ACH Positive Pay could be a smart investment for your company. Visit Your Local First Bank Today To learn more about ACH Positive Pay or see a demo of how it works, visit a First Bank branch near you. ——— Sources: NACHA: https://www.nacha.org/news/what-ach-quick-facts-about-automated-clearing-house-ach-network 2 min read

Best Small Business Bank – North Carolina If you’re looking for the best small business bank in North Carolina, the search ends with First Bank. First Bank’s doors first opened in 1935 to serve farmers and local businesses when the small town of Troy, NC, lost its local bank. Since then, we have continued to help small businesses thrive all over North Carolina. Small Business Options at First Bank In fact, First Bank was one of five institutions to receive a cash infusion from the U.S. Treasury’s Small Business Lending Fund in an effort to further increase small business loan offerings. “Not all businesses are the same, and we are a community bank with community values that strives to anticipate and meet your needs. Small business owners will find that we offer multiple banking options to fit their needs.“ There are a number of reasons why First Bank is among the best small business banks in North Carolina. With locations throughout the state, your business can count on us for: Business loans. Get a lump-sum business loan for equipment, supplies, inventory, vehicles, or anything else you need.* Credit lines. Open a line of credit to borrow and repay as needed or utilize a First Bank business credit card to be used at any time.* Commercial mortgages. First Bank can offer you a competitive mortgage for your place of business. Construction loans. We’ll give you a helping hand in our construction and professional loans program to build new construction, remodel, renovate or expand.* Merchant services. First Bank can help with accepting credit cards for payment, check collection, and more. Checking and savings accounts. We offer several business checking accounts and 3 business savings accounts, each designed to meet the unique needs of a variety of businesses. Credit cards. The First Bank Mastercard Business Card with Rewards provides you with the freedom to make business purchases as needed and pay them off in a convenient and secure way. Online & mobile banking. With a First Bank business account you can quickly and easily manage your funds from your computer or mobile device with our online and mobile banking services.* Treasury services. We offer a wide range of solutions to reach your optimal cash flow efficiency. Find a First Bank Near You Small businesses make 4 min read

Small Business Payroll Services If you’re like many small business owners, it’s likely that you wear many hats and are always on the go. From managing to accounting, there are multiple tasks you have to manage each day. Simplify your to-do list with payroll services for small businesses from First Bank. Outsourcing Your Payroll Services Many small businesses outsource services to compete with larger companies. Payroll services are one of the primary aspects of conducting business that new entrepreneurs outsource, and the benefits can add up. Instead of spending a significant amount of time providing management reports, calculating payroll, and preparing checks, owners and their employees can focus on the rest of their work priorities. The Houston Chronicle named its top 4 advantages of outsourcing payroll as part of your business’ financial management. “Accountability”—With constantly changing tax regulations, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll make an error in your calculations. Many payroll providers “offer services to file state and federal payroll taxes for your business.” This saves you time that might have been lost in calculating taxes and potentially refiling them later. “Tax Expertise”—The IRS states that “40 percent of small businesses pay penalties each year for late or incorrect filings and payments.” How can you avoid this? A tax guarantee. This is something that many payroll providers offer that may cover you financially if any penalties are incurred when taxes are filed. “Productivity”—This can’t be emphasized enough: outsourcing payroll services saves you time (a lot of it). Managing your own payroll system takes up a lot of your time and prevents you and your employees from pursuing “more important value-added and revenue-generating activities.” It can also save your employees a trip to the bank. “Financial Reporting”—Drafting and finalizing financial reports for your small business is also extremely time-consuming. Many outsource providers offer a variety of report services, including “summaries on earning statements, payroll by departments, timesheets, expenses,” and more. This helps you to keep detailed records of your business’ financial history. A Payroll Service Provider You Can Trust for Your Small Business When you’re outsourcing a service, particularly a financial one, it’s important for you to not only have confidence in that provider’s abilities but in its trustworthiness as well. As your community bank, we’ve 3 min read

What You Need to Open a Business Banking Account Once you’ve started a business, the money is going to be coming in. You will need a business banking account to keep finances in order and manage cash flow. But, before you head down to your local First Bank,* grab these key documents so your application goes smoothly. Bring These Documents to Open a Business Banking Account Every financial institution has a procedure for business owners who want to open a bank account. Because businesses make more withdrawals and deposits than the average customer, there are a few documents that a financial advisor will need to see during the application process. Business Licenses Bring along your official license to practice your profession or skill. This extends from everything from law to construction. If your license is in process, ask for an official document stating so from the licensing source. Registration of Business Before opening your business, you probably had to register with the city or state. Be sure to bring the official name and registration information along with you to the bank. This will improve your credibility during the application process. Documentation of Account Holders If your business banking account will be accessed by more than one person, thorough identification will be required of each party. For most applications, a driver’s license, passport or other government picture ID will suffice. It is helpful for all account owners to be present during the application process. Deposit Amount Business banking accounts usually require an initial deposit to be opened. Deposits should be made in cash or in money order form and should meet or exceed the minimum required. Once you have gathered the necessary documents and banknotes, you can arrive fully prepared for a business banking account application. Choosing a Business Banking Institution First Bank business banking solutions are designed for convenience and security. We offer a comprehensive range of business banking accounts designed to meet the unique needs of your company. Contact us today to learn more. *Member FDIC. ——— Sources: Business News Daily: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6477-business-bank-account-documentation.html 2 min read

Bank Accounts for Businesses in South Carolina Do you own a South Carolina business? Are you looking to start one? There are a number of reasons why South Carolina is a great state to do business. And First Bank* is here to provide the bank accounts, tools and services you need to succeed. The Palmetto State has several First Bank locations – with branches in Anderson, Blacksburg, Charleston, Cheraw, Columbia, Dillon, Florence, Greenville, Greer, Latta, Orangeburg and Rock Hill. We offer a variety of business checking and savings accounts as well as a collection of financial services to help you better mange your business. Find the First Bank location nearest you, and open a business bank account today. First Bank Business Checking Accounts in South Carolina We offer business checking accounts to fit the needs of any business, of any size. Compare the list below to choose the one that best works for your business. Business Essentials. WalletHub named this account one of the “Best Bank Accounts for Small Businesses” in 2014. Business Essentials is perfect for small businesses or self-employed individuals with small transaction volume. Business Interest. An upgrade from Business Essentials, this account comes with all the same basic features but allows you to accrue interest. Community Checking. The perfect account for nonprofit organization and community groups. Business Advantage. If you’re looking for a fundamental account that allows for higher transaction volume, Business Advantage may be right for you. Commercial Analysis. Larger businesses have bigger needs and might benefit from our Commercial Analysis. This option comes with custom programs for business needs on top of all the basic features of Business Essentials. First Bank’s Business Savings Accounts in SC Our collection of business checkings accounts is complemented by our three business savings accounts. Compare the three options in the list and table below. Business Savings. With no minimum balance required to start earning interest, our Business Savings account is perfect for small startups looking to find a foothold in the market. Money Market. More aggressive business owners might look to our Money Market option, which allows for six withdrawals every month free of any First Bank fees.† Certificates of Deposit.‡ Our FDIC-insured CDs typically come with a guaranteed, fixed interest rate to allow for a 10 min read

Where to Get Mobile Payroll Solutions In today’s on-the-go world, you can do just about anything from a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. If you run a business in this tech-driven environment and have employees to pay, you might be wondering where to get mobile payroll solutions. First Bank has more than 100 locations in the Carolinas, but you don’t need to physically visit one to satisfy your payroll or banking needs. With free online and mobile banking for all of our business checking and savings accounts, First Bank is with you and your employees wherever you go. Mobile Banking Options First Bank provides customers with two easy ways to bank on the go. With a wireless web connection, just log into your account through our website to access your money 24 hours a day, making it easy to process your payroll during off-business hours. If you have an iPhone, iPod touch or Android device, just download our LocalFirstBank mobile app* and access your account with one touch of the screen. Mobile Payroll Benefits First Bank is the go-to place to get mobile payroll solutions. We offer a number of advantages associated with digital banking. By being able to make direct deposits from any location at any time, our business customers can: Cut Costs. Stop spending money on printed checks and postage and avoid fees associated with stop payments and reissues for lost or stolen checks. Improve timeliness. Nobody likes waiting for their paycheck and with our direct deposit service you can easily distribute checks to absent or off-site employees. Eliminate the time required to print, sign and mail checks. Reduce risk. Eliminate check fraud by eliminating checks altogether. Provide added convenience. Allow your employees to split their deposits between checking and savings accounts and reduce trips to the bank. Get Mobile Payroll Solutions with First Bank Learn more about why First Bank is where to get mobile payroll solutions and how you can even use payroll cards to make direct deposits to employees without bank accounts. *While First Bank does not charge for mobile banking, check with your mobile service provider for web access fees. iPhone®, and iPod Touch® are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc. Android™ is a trademark of Google Inc. ——— Sources: Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/directdeposit.asp Investopedia: 2 min read

Where to Get Commercial Mortgage Rates Location, location, location. The value of location is just as important for commercial success as it is for where to get commercial mortgage rates. The wrong rates can lead your business off the beaten path while commercial mortgage rates like the ones from First Bank can have your business on the fast track to profitability. First Bank: Where to Get Commercial Mortgage Rates The Houston Chronicle examined the value of having just the right physical location for a business; various factors like foot traffic and visibility come into play when choosing a location. First Bank takes a closer look at this issue and provides some key insights into choosing the perfect location for your next business. When choosing a business location, consider the following factors: Location. Location, location, location–this old adage isn’t just lip service. Choosing a location that’s safe, convenient to target customers and (yes) convenient to you and your staff’s commute is essential to a smooth operation. Building. When choosing the face of your business, customers often will and do judge a book by its cover. Think about your branding, size, needed repairs, parking and growth projection when deciding upon the best place to set up shop. Terms. Always read the small print before signing that dotted line! Consider factors like leasing or buying terms and cost, always compare with like-buildings in the area. With over 100 locations spanning North Carolina and South Carolina, First Bank is proud to help businesses find a home with competitive commercial mortgage rates.* Have more questions? We’re here to help! Contact a small business specialist with First Bank and let us know how we can help you realize your goals and secure a great commercial mortgage rate. Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Houston Chronicle: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/location-add-value-small-business-77422.html Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/commercial-real-estate-loan.asp 2 min read

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Business Owners: Put Automation to Work for You A year ago today, Ann was a totally different entrepreneur. Her title might have been Owner of Little Genius Tutoring, but her to-do list didn’t quite match. She was trying frantically to keep all her students and parents happy, while also juggling the following tasks: Drafting invoices in Word and mailing them to clients—sometimes twice, when a parent would forget to send payment. Trying out various accounting programs and software but getting frustrated and reverting back to a spreadsheet to track her income. Digging through piles of checks and receipts every month to figure out which clients had paid and who was overdue. It soon became clear that Ann was actually wearing the hats of Client Services, Billing Manager, Systems Manager, and Bookkeeper. Her tutoring business was staying afloat, but she was working tons of extra hours just to make ends meet. Does this sound like a familiar story? Automation at Work Fast forward to today: Ann’s to-do list is much shorter, and she’s gained back valuable time in her day. She spends most of her workweek doing what she loves — helping her students — and just a fraction of her time collecting and tracking payments. What changed in the last year? Ann found Autobooks: the only way to collect electronic payments that’s plugged right into her First Bank business checking account. Now clients pay her through Autobooks — instead of by cash or check. And the best part? Parents can pay from their phone or computer, at whatever time of day is convenient for them, while also using whatever payment method they prefer: a credit card or check (debit from their checking account). When Ann signs into her business checking account, she has an instantaneous view of who’s paid in full and who still owes money. If a parent’s payment is late, Ann can send an automatic email reminder—no phone tag and no printing out another invoice. Ready to get started to see if Autobooks can help you save time too? Sign up for a free demo, stop by your local branch, or contact Business Support. You could be receiving electronic payments before the end of the day. 2 min read

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