Growth with Roots: How Community-Focused Lending Drives Business Success

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

As a small business owner in Philadelphia, you know growth isn’t just about dollars: it’s about direction. Whether you’re opening a second location, acquiring real estate, or hiring your first full team, you’re not just looking for funding. You’re looking for a financial partner who understands what it takes to build something meaningful in the city you call home. 

That’s where local banks come in. And that’s exactly where Quaint Oak Bank shows up. 

More Than Money: The Power of a Banking Partner Who Believes in You 

When you reach a growth milestone, the last thing you want is a rigid, off-the-shelf loan package from a big-name bank. You need financing that fits your needs, and a partner who sees the bigger picture.  

Larry Deal, owner of Palomino Roofing & Waterproofing, knows this firsthand. 

“Banking with Jake and Quaint Oak has been great—they get it,” Larry says. “They understand what it is to be a small business owner and value my time, my business, and the relationship we’re building together. I’m not an account number on some report—I’m Larry Deal, a business owner with Philly roots working to build a generational legacy. They know how to fuel the growth of business.” 

What Larry describes is rare—not because it’s impossible, but because most banks prioritize numbers over relationships. Quaint Oak Bank does things differently. We’re here for long-term partnerships built on trust, strategy, and shared goals. 

Why SBA Lending Is a Smart Move for Growing Businesses 

Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are among the most flexible financing tools available. They offer lower down payments, longer terms, and competitive rates—ideal for owners ready to grow while protecting cash flow. 

Still, many entrepreneurs hesitate. The process can feel overwhelming, and national lenders often leave you feeling like you’re on your own. That’s where Quaint Oak Bank stands out. 

As an SBA Preferred Lender in your neighborhood, we simplify the process and offer personal support from day one. Whether it’s helping attorneys secure funding for office space or franchise owners find financing for growth, we bring local insight and steady guidance to every step. 

Local Expertise and SBA Know-How 

We don’t just fund SBA loans. We help build the plan that moves your business forward. That might mean: 

• Purchasing commercial real estate 

• Expanding a franchise 

• Buying out a partner 

• Hiring staff or acquiring equipment 

With nearly 100 years of local experience, we know how to move quickly and strategically, avoiding delays and supporting sound decisions. 

Personal Support You Can Count On 

When you bank with us, you’re matched with a dedicated Commercial Relationship Manager who stays with you from day one. We guide you through packaging your SBA application, securing your loan, and planning what’s next. Additionally, we stay in touch long after closing. 

This isn’t just paperwork—it’s a partnership. 

From Capital Access to Strategic Partnership 

SBA loans aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is your business. 

We’ve supported: 

• Law firms purchasing real estate 

• Franchise owners scaling across the Delaware Valley 

• Healthcare providers expanding home-based services 

• Women- and minority-owned businesses positioning for long-term growth 

Your Time Deserves a Real Response 

You deserve to work with a bank that values your time and your trust. 

At Quaint Oak, we believe in accessibility: not just in theory, but in practice. We answer your calls personally. We drive out to your office when needed. We don’t bounce you from department to department. We show up for your business the way you show up for your clients. 

That kind of responsiveness doesn’t slow things down, it makes them work better. 

Built Here. Banking Here. Investing Here. 

We don’t just serve this community—we’re part of it. We eat at your restaurants, shop in your stores, and grab coffee from your counter. When your business grows, our neighborhoods thrive.  

That’s why we care so deeply about getting it right, because this isn’t just business.  

At Quaint Oak Bank, we don’t push cookie-cutter lending or generic advice. Instead, we build momentum by starting with your circumstances, your goals, and your vision. Your business secures the capital it needs to move forward, equipped with the right tools, and with people who genuinely understand where you’re coming from. 

Quaint Oak Bank. Local Roots. SBA Preferred Lender. 

Whether you’re expanding your business or applying for your first SBA loan, we’re here to take the journey with you—because when your business thrives, our shared community moves forward. Let’s talk about what’s next for your business.