In Focus: Business Trends, Fraud Prevention, and Community Impact

Welcome to the latest edition of In Focus, where we share top business insights, fraud prevention tips, updates from our local communities, and smart banking solutions. In this quarter’s spotlight, we’re diving into some of the most important topics for business owners and entrepreneurs. We explore why access to capital is essential for getting new businesses off the ground and how you can take steps to recession-proof your operations. Plus, with summer in full swing, we’re highlighting Small Business Week celebrations and sharing how we’re showing our appreciation for the communities we serve.

Making It Past the Start-Up Phase

5.2 million business applications were filed in 2024 – but nearly half of new businesses won’t make it past year 5. Explore what drives entrepreneurs to take the leap and why access to capital is critical. Learn from our expert, David Stahl, Head of Business Banking, about what drives entrepreneurs to take the leap and why access to capital is critical.

Read more here!

Prevent Check Fraud Before It Happens

Checks continue to be a problematic payment method. According to the 2025 Association for Financial Professionals, 65% of organizations reporting check fraud activity in 2024. Our Positive Pay Solution helps you fight check fraud and protect your hard-earned money. Ask your banker about the benefits of Positive Pay today!

How to Safeguard Your Business

Recession-Proof Your Business

You can’t control the economy , but you can control how prepared your business is to weather a downturn. Learn from our partner, Clover, about how to manage irregular overhead and cash flows. Click here to read six tips to your business can implement to build business confidence through a recession.

Learn more!

Celebrating Small Business Week

To say thank you to the businesses that help our communities thrive, we made some special deliveries to our business clients.

Lunch On Us!

We appreciate our communities and to show our gratitude, we host complimentary lunches throughout the summer! Thanks to everyone who’s made it out for lunch with Bank Midwest.

Join Us At Our Next Community Shred Day

Safely dispose of your old documents for free! Save the date for Saturday, August 9 from 9 AM - 12 PM for our Community Shred Day at the Gladstone Bank Midwest.

What to Bring: 

• Old bank statements
• Medical records
• Tax documents
• Any sensitive paperwork

Bring up to two boxes - shredding services available until they're full.

What NOT to Bring: 

• Binders
• Plastic
• Cardboard
• Non-paper items