The Coop Expands Initiative To Take Small Businesses To Next Level

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Building on its pandemic experience supporting business owners – no matter the business size or need – The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod has expanded its expert team, streamlined loan products and enhanced personal service.

“Our team was able to pivot to guide small business owners through an extraordinary time, securing much-needed funding and helping keep more than 15,000 people employed,” said Lisa Oliver, Chair, President and CEO of The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod.

The bank helped more than 1,000 small businesses obtain SBA Paycheck Protection Program loans, totaling over $116 million.

“Now, with our ‘Big on Small Business’ initiative, our team will help take small business clients to the next level,” Oliver added.

In 2020, the bank introduced the role of Small Business Specialist at each of its nine branches. That move was crucial in helping clients navigate PPP and withstand the economic impact of the pandemic. The specialists, supported by a full credit and lending team behind the scenes, created customized solutions for clients.

“These Small Business Specialists know the client, know their business, and are empowered to deliver tailored solutions,” said Sheryl Walsh, Senior Vice President, Chief Consumer & Small Business Banking Officer. “It’s about streamlining the process, while offering a more personal experience.”

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From left, Rob Carey, First Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager; Mike Lewis, owner of Seafood Sam’s Falmouth; and Rob Gillis, Vice President, Branch Manager, Small Business Specialist.

“The “Big on Small Business” program includes several new features for the small business owner. Most notably, The Coop is offering quick decisions on completed small business loan applications. The loan application process is streamlined and can be completed online, coupled with expedited funding following approval. The online application process has been significantly streamlined from traditional paper applications, making it easier and faster for business owners to seek capital.

“This is really the cornerstone of the program,” said Richard Zilewicz, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Banking Officer. “It’s about giving business owners easier access to capital and removing unnecessary barriers. Our team is committed to turning applications around.”

The Coop has dedicated resources to help business owners, too, and has bolstered its small business banking relationship team by creating a new position, Small Business Relationship Manager. Additionally, each of The Coop’s nine branches has a designated Small Business Specialist, who are dedicated to helping clients craft a financial plan that meets their goals – from payroll to merchant services, loans to online banking, and more.

Other elements of the program include competitive business credit cards; checking and savings accounts with compelling incentives; investment services; merchant card transaction processing; and payroll services, among others.

Learn more about the Small Business program at mycapecodbank.com