Why Small Businesses Should Keep It Local When It Comes to Business Banking 

This article originally appeared in the Philadelphia Business Journal as part of our 2025 Small Business Banking series.

In the heart of Philadelphia, small businesses are more than economic engines—they’re the soul of the city. From family-run shops to fast-growing startups, they shape neighborhoods, create jobs, and build community you can feel. 

As a local business owner, you already know what it means to show up. You open early, stay late, remember your regulars, and support local causes. You’re the reason your block feels like a neighborhood. 

So, when it comes to banking, something tied to your daily operations and long-term goals, shouldn’t it feel just as personal? 

The Personal Touch: Local Banking Is Relationship Banking 

One of our customers put it best: 
“I have had banking relationships with a number of banks over the last 20 years and have NEVER met a nicer, more accommodating group of people. My dad always told me, ‘You want a banking relationship where you can pick up the phone and call someone.’ I feel so grateful that banks like yours still exist in the world.” 

That’s the experience we create at Quaint Oak Bank. It’s not about transactions. It’s about relationships built on trust and familiarity. 

When you bank locally, you’re speaking with someone who lives and works in your community. You’re greeted by name, asked how business is going, and guided by someone who understands your goals. That’s the full-circle support of community banking. 

A Legacy of Showing Up 

Founded in 1926, Quaint Oak Bank has served the Philadelphia region for nearly 100 years. In an industry known for change, our stability stands out, but it’s the relationships we’ve built that matter most. 

Through decades of market shifts, we’ve stayed rooted in the same values: local focus, responsive service, and a belief in our customers’ potential. 

The Community Investment of Local Support 

WBanking locally means your dollars stay in the community, reinvested into local projects, nonprofits, and small businesses. 

At Quaint Oak Bank, we don’t just fund businesses. We build partnerships with the people behind them. When your business grows, so does your neighborhood. That ripple effect of progress is what makes local banking so impactful. 

You’re not just choosing a bank. You’re investing in the future of your community. 

Banking That Feels Like Belonging 

Your business is more than numbers, it’s personal. It’s your livelihood and your legacy. That’s why we meet you where you are, offering support and solutions that grow with you. 

We’ve delivered equipment in person. Walked clients through commercial tools step-by-step. Welcomed customers who traveled across counties just to meet the banker who helped them.  

These aren’t rare exceptions. They’re how we do business. 

Built for Business Owners 

At Quaint Oak, we understand the needs of small businesses. We offer flexible, often-overlooked solutions like Business Money Market accounts, and a variety of options that grow your funds at competitive interest rates without losing access. 

And because we know banking is more than products, we created our Business Finance Hub. This area of our blog offers tips, insights, and financial guidance to help you make informed decisions and move forward confidently. 

Smart Tools with a Human Touch 

We offer the tools businesses expect: remote deposit capture, merchant services, mobile access, and more. But what sets us apart is how we deliver them—with clarity, patience, and genuine care. 

Need quick advice or a decision? We’re here to talk. No long waits, no call centers: just real people who are invested in your success. You can grow wisely and sustainably with a partner who knows your story. 

Fueling Growth, Not Just Balances 

Our tagline, Fueling the Growth of Business, isn’t just a phrase. It’s a promise. We’re here to be more than a service provider. We’re a catalyst for your success. 

Everything we do is designed to support your goals and strengthen our shared community. 

In Your Best Interest—Because We Live Here, Too 

We built Quaint Oak Bank with people, not portfolios, in mind. That’s why our tagline, In Your Best Interest, reflects everything we believe about banking. It means fair rates, flexible solutions for real businesses, and service that goes above and beyond.  

You built your business on relationships that matter. So did we. This isn’t about faceless transactions. It’s about showing up, standing beside you, and building something that lasts. So, when you’re weighing your banking options, remember: local banks like Quaint Oak are truly in your best interest. 

To every business owner shaping this city’s future, know this: we’re not on the sidelines. We’re here, shoulder to shoulder, saying, “Hey Philly, we’re in this with you.” 

Raymond Williams is the Relationship Manager serving customers in Quaint Oak Bank’s Philadelphia Regional office. With over 25 years in finance, he is a seasoned leader and small business advocate, bringing deep expertise in banking, investments, and financial literacy. Raymond also serves as a dedicated board member for several local organizations, championing community growth and inclusive economic development.