In the dynamic landscape of small businesses, securing financing is often the key to success. First Bank of the Lake stands out as a dedicated partner for entrepreneurs, offering a wide range of financing solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses of all sizes. From startup capital to commercial real estate purchase, to lines of credit, First Bank of the Lake provides a comprehensive suite of financial offerings.

With the holiday season around the corner, small business owners are not only gearing up for celebrations but also getting ready to conclude their fiscal year. Year-end financial planning is important for businesses of all sizes, to ensure a seamless transition into the new year and lay the groundwork for success in the following months. Here are a few tips to set your small business up for success in the new year.

Do not let winter and its colder temperatures bring you down. Winter is perfect for spending time with family and making memories you will all cherish forever. Here is a list of family-friendly winter activities sure to bring you all closer together. Bundle up and appreciate the season with these suggestions!

Drinking tea has long been associated with positivity, whether it’s sitting down for a cup with a close friend or having a hot mug handy to help when you’re feeling under the weather. There are so many different varieties of tea to try, many of which offer impressive benefits that make it well worth keeping the kettle on for a second sip.

The automotive industry is going the way of electrification. But for a variety of reasons, not everyone is quite ready to venture into the world of EVs, PHEVs, FCVs, or even simple hybrids. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t care about fuel economy. Fortunately, there are a number of traditional combustion-only cars you can buy that get plenty of mileage out of the gas you put in them. These are the top five.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business financing, crowdfunding has emerged as an innovative and compelling option for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Crowdfunding to raise capital involves reaching out to a broad audience, often through online platforms, to secure funding for business ideas, projects, or products. But can it truly benefit your business, and is it a viable option to explore?

If you own a small business, hiring a family member is the same as hiring any other person — with a couple of important exceptions. When you employ your children or even your parents, you might be eligible for significant federal tax benefits. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with all the available perks, you’ll be ready to take full advantage of the ones you qualify for when tax time arrives.

Payment apps like Google Pay, Cash App, and Venmo have become the preferred method of sending and receiving money for many people. Yet, you may be hesitant to jump on the bandwagon due to concerns about the security of using a payment app — and you’re not alone.

Carrying a card for everyday purchases can make life much more convenient, but the question you have to ask before opening your wallet is which card you should use. Credit cards and debit cards will both allow you to pay for the things you need, but each offers unique functions that separate one from the other.

First Bank of the Lake is deeply committed to serving the financial needs of veterans, recognizing their unique contributions to our economy. We go the extra mile to...