In this episode, Lincoln Parks interviews Geni Reed, the market manager for Ameris Bank in Henry County. They discuss the importance of local businesses like the Creativity Cafe, Geni's involvement in the community and the Chamber of Commerce, trends in small business banking, the benefits of HELOCs for entrepreneurs, and advice for aspiring business owners. Geni emphasizes the significance of community connections and resources available for local entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

Creativity Cafe offers a variety of fun activities for the community.

Geni Reed is deeply involved in the Chamber of Commerce and local events.

Building relationships in the community is crucial for business success.

Small business owners prefer community banks for personalized service.

HELOCs provide a way for business owners to access capital.

Local support is vital for the growth of small businesses.

Henry County is seeing growth in local businesses and amenities.

Community engagement enhances the banking experience for clients.

Entrepreneurs should leverage local resources for success.

Having a solid business plan is essential for startups.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Community Engagement

04:18 Building Community Connections through Banking

07:15 Trends in Small Business Banking

10:11 Leveraging Home Equity for Business Growth

12:49 Community Involvement and Local Support

15:50 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

19:18 businessTech-intro-high-short.wav