Integro Bank, the fastest-growing bank in Arizona recording 625% loan growth in 2023, made another leap forward when it comes to their capacity to help small businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued delegated authority to Integro Bank, an esteemed status within their Preferred Lender Program (PLP). The PLP status is the most desirable accreditation that a … [More]
Bank Leads Way in Affordable Housing Financing, Unlocking Access to Homes in Arizona
FirstBank, one of the nation’s largest privately held banks with a focus on "banking for good," has financed over $500 million in affordable housing developments since 2020. The bank recently launched Unlocking Arizona, a content series showcasing developments that expand affordable housing in the state. “This represents our commitment to increasing attainable housing … [More]
Credit Union Expands Access to Competitive Auto Loans for Arizonans through Partnership
Open Lending Corporation, an automotive lending enablement and risk analytics solutions for financial institutions, was recently selected by OneAZ Credit Union as their lending enablement solution for automotive loans. The partnership will help OneAZ expand access to auto loans for underserved populations of Arizona while also protecting the assets of its members with deposits … [More]
SBA Launches Digital Hub to Connect Small Businesses with Major Funding
Hub Details Billions of Dollars in Grants, Contracts, and Market Opportunities
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the launch of the SBA’s new Investing in America Small Business Hub, the first and only digital portal of its kind providing industry-specific resources to help small businesses tap into opportunities under President Biden’s signature Investing in America (IIA) Agenda. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is … [More]
Credit Union Invests in the Local Sports Community
OneAZ Credit Union and national premier soccer club FC Arizona are launching an exciting new partnership aimed at inspiring dreams throughout communities across Arizona. The collaboration officially “kicked off" on March 28, 2024 at the second annual FCAZ Fest & Senior Night. The strategic partnership combines both the resources and knowledge of OneAZ and FC Arizona, … [More]
Capital Ideas: How Different Types of Funding Can Grow Business
Part I: Loans, Grants and Investment
Prominently visible on buildings around town are names that demonstrate the strength and depth of the financial sector here — serving a business community equally strong and varied. We connected with select members of that sector to present an overview of funding types and opportunity. Notes Ken Bauer, chief lending officer at OneAZ Credit Union, “In order to grow or improve a … [More]
April 2024 Guest Editor RaeAnne Marsh, In Business Magazine
Capital Connections
Capital is recognized as the essential foundation of business. But even more basic is access to capital. And to knowledgeable counsel on achieving that access and making the most of financial opportunity that goes with it. This month’s cover story looks at sources of capital from several different angles — including types of funding programs and financial institutions as … [More]
Credit Union Empowers Arizona Small Businesses by Enhancing SBA Loan Services
OneAZ Credit Union is thrilled to announce that they are enhancing their ability to serve small businesses by now originating and servicing SBA 7(a) loans entirely in-house. This strategic move creates a streamlined process for small businesses seeking access to financing at competitive rates and loan terms with the flexibility the SBA’s 7(a) program provides. “This pivotal … [More]
Bank Continues Momentum with New Locations and More Expansion in Arizona
Bell Bank, one of the largest family-and employee-owned banks in the country, with assets of more than $14 billion is continuing to show a tremendous amount of growth and new momentum in 2024 with a lot of the new growth in Valley of the Sun. This April, Bell Bank will open a new branch at 6838 N. 58th Drive in Glendale. That opening will be followed by another new branch … [More]
FirstBank Announces New CEO and COO
Former CEO announces his retirement from the bank after a 37-year tenure
FirstBank, one of the largest privately held banks in the nation with a focus on "banking for good," announced that Jim Reuter is retiring from FirstBank after seven years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and 37 years with the organization. The board elected President Kevin Classen as the new CEO, and Chief Digital Officer (CDO), Kelly Kaminskas, was named Chief Operating … [More]
Merger Means New Name for Bank
Bancorp 34, Inc. and CBOA financial, Inc., the parent companies of Bank 34 and Commerce Bank of Arizona, respectively, announced that, provided the pending merger closes as expected, the combined bank will officially become Southwest Heritage Bank on March 25, 2024. Jim Crotty, CEO of Bank 34, commented, "After nearly a century of dedicated service by both companies, this … [More]
Future Money: Fintech, AI and Web3
The world of money is rapidly changing, but what does it all really mean? Exploring key developments such as blockchain, DeFi, AI and the metaverse, the book brings these technical topics to vivid life via narrative deep dives into selected founders and their companies. Spanning multiple geographies from London to Lagos, via Ahmedabad, Dubai, Hong Kong, Karachi and more, Future … [More]
Behind the Startup: How Venture Capital Shapes Work, Innovation, and Inequality
In recent years, dreams about our technological future have soured as digital platforms have undermined privacy, eroded labor rights and weakened democratic discourse. In light of the negative consequences of innovation, some blame harmful algorithms or greedy CEOs. Behind the Startup focuses instead on the role of capital and the influence of financiers. Drawing on 19 months … [More]
Window Blinds Co. Sees Light with Help of a Small Business Loan
For more than a decade, Danielle Collazo has owned and operated a thriving business, Adobe Blinds and More, in Maricopa, Arizona. What started as a small business run out of her garage became a shop run out of a shared business space and eventually grew into a 1,500 SF building that included a retail showroom and warehouse. She had big dreams, though. Among her goals? To … [More]
Empowering Small Businesses: Safeguarding Capital & Funding Growth in 2024
In the face of a nationwide credit squeeze that is hindering the growth of small businesses, the concerns echoed by entrepreneurs are loud and clear. Many small business owners are navigating uncertainty as we get further into 2024 and may be wondering how to optimize their financial strategies to ensure a lucrative year, not a step back. While there are many strategies to … [More]
Credit Union Gives Back $20 Million to Members
Desert Financial Credit Union will share $20 million with its members as part of its annual Member Giveback Bonus, a 25% increase from its 2023 bonus. The not-for-profit credit union, owned by its members, is on a mission to improve every member's financial well-being through education, competitive loan rates, free checking and membership rewards. "Our … [More]
Bank Foundation Gives Local First Arizona Inaugural Grant for Business Skills Program
The Integro Bank Foundation is excited to announce its first grant award to Local First Arizona to support the We Rise Business Accelerator, a no-fee six-month program offering comprehensive and practical business skills to Arizona's Black entrepreneurs. "We are delighted to announce Local First Arizona as our inaugural grant recipient, demonstrating our commitment to … [More]
Credit Union Opens New HQ in Tempe
TruWest® Credit Union announces the relocation of its Arizona headquarters from 1667 N Priest Dr. to 2190 E. Elliott Rd. in Tempe. The new headquarters are centrally located for all employees with access to amenities, public transportation and the 101 freeway. “We believe our new space will foster creativity, collaboration and innovation, providing spaces that fit the growing … [More]
