If you are looking for the right lending institution or considering moving your business to a different lender, here are six reasons to choose a community bank:

• Like large, national level banks, community banks are regulated, secure, and safe. Community banks have significant financial backing and are highly capitalized. They are subject to all the same regulations as larger lenders, but because they are smaller than national banks, they avoid taking unnecessary risks that can lead to negative financial outcomes for shareholders.

• Community banks are focused on their customers, not on their stockholders. Because they have to work harder to earn your business, they prioritize customer service and spend time learning what their customers need. You will be able to speak to a real person who can meet with you in person and who will help you through large financial moves such as taking out a loan or investing money.

• Fees associated with banking with community banks are far lower than those charged by larger banks. In most cases, community banks offer the same services that larger institutions do, but they charge a far lower rate to provide these services. This is particularly true in regards to small and medium size businesses, who can save significantly by using a community bank.

• Community banks are more accountable to their customers. When you deal with a community bank, you are likely working with your own customers, neighbors, friends, and family. Community banks are part of the community, and they are accountable to customers on a more personal level.

• Loan decisions are made locally by community banks. While national banks send paperwork off through a bureaucratic maze of red tape, community banks handle loan decisions through a local committee. Because of this, decisions are often made based on a larger and clearer picture of the borrower's situation, rather than just a few numbers on a loan application. Loan decisions are also quicker because they are handled locally rather than being shipped off across the country.

• Banking at a community bank helps you give back to your own community. The money in a community bank comes from people in your area, loans are made to businesses and consumers in your area, and the profits from the bank go back into the community. Often, community banks donate significant amounts to local charities and other groups, so you can feel great about where you bank.

If you are not already working with a community bank, talk to local banks in your area and find out what they can do for your company. Staying local may be the best way to help your small business grow.