Bank and community-lending executives at the symposium described how they work with small businesses and local nonprofits, outlined CRA-driven outreach and offered concrete steps entrepreneurs can take before seeking loans.

What banks said

- Relationship first: Courtney Taylor of Veritex Community Bank said outreach and in-person relationship-building — attending networking groups, workshops and industry events — are central to long-term partnerships. "If there's something I can't do, I know who to call," she said, describing referrals to community partners.

- CRA and disaster support: Marcus Vasquez (Stellar Bank) described community reinvestment work and recalled rapid grant and PPP support after Hurricane Harvey and during the pandemic, noting that community banks leveraged membership in Federal Home Loan Bank programs to deliver relief grants.

- Lender match and footprints: Nasir Khan of Wallace Bank urged borrowers to check bank footprints and use SBA Lender Match on the SBA website so multiple banks can evaluate applications, and reminded attendees that loans are not free money but require repayment and underwriting.

Practical steps for borrowers

Speakers repeatedly advised entrepreneurs to:
- Build accurate financial statements and payroll records and work with a CPA or bookkeeper.
- Open and cultivate a banking relationship before needing a loan.
- Review CRA evaluations to judge a bank’s community lending footprint.
- Use nonprofit counselors (SCORE, Small Business Development Centers, CDFIs) to prepare loan-ready applications.

Contacts and resources cited during the panel

- Marcus Vasquez, Stellar Bank: Marcus.Vasquez@StellarBank.com (as provided at the event).
- Courtney Taylor, Veritex Bank: ctaylor@veritexbank.com (contact and website referenced in remarks).
- Nasir Khan, Wallace Bank: provided a direct cell number at the session for follow-up.

Speakers emphasized caution about quick, high-cost alternatives. One banker cautioned that merchant cash advances and some online short-term products may be fast but can be expensive and difficult to refinance.

Ending

Panelists urged entrepreneurs to use the time before large seasonal opportunities (speakers mentioned planning ahead for events such as the World Cup) to organize records, meet bankers and map financing needs with CPAs and counselors.