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]
Mesa-Based Capital Group Wraps Up Inaugural Year with Big Plans for 2024
In its inaugural year, Streamline Capital Group witnessed remarkable growth and achievement. Following its initial startup phase earlier in the year, it successfully acquired approximately $9 million worth of real estate, encompassing nearly 60,000 SF. “This success allowed us to forge new connections with investors both locally and nationwide,” said CEO David Hrizak. “The … [More]
Long-Time Valley Banker Joins Community Bank as President & CEO
Gainey Business Bank is pleased to announce that Rob Schwister has joined its Executive Management team as President and CEO. Rob Schwister is an experienced community banking leader, with over 22 years of experience helping small business owners in the Valley make sound financial decisions. Most recently he served as Executive Vice President & Director of Banking … [More]
Investment Firm Expands Phoenix Headquarters, Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Investments
Trinity Capital Inc., a leading provider of diversified financial solutions to growth-stage companies, announced the expansion of its Phoenix headquarters, reaffirming Trinity's longstanding commitment to the region as it continues to scale its business. Trinity has doubled the total space leased at its corporate headquarters at 1 North 1st Street to 30,000 square feet by … [More]
Credit Union Contributes $300K to Arizona Nonprofits, Largest Grant Cycle
Desert Financial Credit Union announced $300,000 in donations to Arizona nonprofits through its grant program today. This is the credit union's largest grant cycle to date, an increase of more than 25% compared to 2022 and more than double the amount awarded just two years ago. "At Desert Financial, we care about the communities where we work and live," … [More]
How Private Equity Can Leverage Healthcare Savings
Many companies are looking to maximize return for their investors but in today’s age the challenges facing financial performance are ever-present. High employee turnover, rising cost of healthcare benefits and inflation can all negatively impact the profitability of a business. One way to drastically improve a business’s profitability is by reducing the money spent on … [More]
Local Credit Union Branches Renamed ‘Financial Service Centers’
TruWest® Credit Union announced that all its branch locations will be renamed as financial service centers beginning December, 2023. The name change is being made to better reflect the services offered at each location, including expanded financial education resources and programs, and a variety of elevated support for members. Financial Service Center Managers and Assistant … [More]
No Worries: How to Live a Stress-Free Financial Life
This is not about millions of tiny decisions that drain the joy from life, like skipping daily coffee to save a few bucks. And it’s not simply about having more money. The secret lies in adopting the right attitude to money and getting a small number of big things right. In his unique style, drawing on decades of expertise, finance expert Jared Dillian tells the truths about … [More]
Full-Time Bank On Arizona Fellow Will Lead Coalition in Arizona to Bank the Unbanked
Millions of Americans across the country are outside of the stabilizing financial mainstream, without a safe banking account to manage their money and build towards a stronger financial future. Across the country, Bank On coalitions work to connect residents to safe, affordable accounts, and Dress for Success Phoenix just received a new grant to supercharge these efforts. Dress … [More]
Arizona-Based Organizations Team Up to Provide Financial Education to Students
Gnosis IQ, an Arizona-based artificial intelligence software company that predicts and tracks student academic success and empowers the well-being of students, is thrilled to announce that it is partnering with Desert Financial Credit Union to provide financial literacy education to schools and families in Arizona. Through this partnership, Desert Financial Credit Union offers … [More]
Bank Foundation Launches Online Donation System to Fulfill Community Mission
Integro Bank announces the launch of the foundation's online donation landing page. The activation of the online donation system will allow the Integro Bank Foundation to move forward with its overall mission to support nonprofit organizations in the community that help small businesses grow. The foundation aims to advocate and provide exemplary leadership … [More]
