First Federal Bank Blog

Q: How can financial institutions achieve an ROA exceeding 3% from small business loans?

Anyone who runs a small business knows how important marketing can be. But just how do you approach it? What strategies work best, and will get you the highest return? Forbes interviewed Dave Charest, director of small business success at Constant Contact, to get his insight and some answers:

Have you ever looked at business reviews when considering a company that is new to you? Have you left reviews for companies you have conducted business with? Reviews are an important way consumers find businesses, and an essential strategy companies use to attract new customers. Crafting a good review involves citing your first-hand experience,...

There are several types of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. First Federal primarily uses the 504 and 7(a) programs. The SBA 7(a) loan is the most common loan type guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. The Motley Fool outlines some details about this type of loan:

Cybersecurity is an issue facing all size businesses today, from small and medium to Fortune 500. The greatest threat to small businesses is malicious software, or malware. There are a number of different types, but the good news is, the same strategies will work to protect you against them all. Newsweek offers these four tips for safeguarding...

A clear, thorough, and up-to-date employee handbook is a must for nearly every business. It’s a vital resource for employees, helping them understand the company’s key policies, expectations, and procedures. It’s also a crucial tool for you, the employer, protecting you legally and helping you convey important information. Whether you’re creating...

When your company is a Certified Woman-Owned Business, you’ll have access to contracts and resources that can help your enterprise thrive. Here’s a guide to understanding the steps you need to take to help your business gain this valued certification:Certification criteriaTo be considered a Certified Woman-Owned Business, your company needs to...

Preparing your taxes is easier when you have everything you need at your fingertips or accessible on your computer. Searching for receipts, records, or required documents will quickly erode your resolve and temperament when you’re trying to work through your taxes. Here are a few tips to help you organize your tax documents so you can make the...

For better or for worse, your company’s social media posts can draw a lot of attention. However, a few smart practices can keep your brand looking good in the public eye. Here’s a look at what you should — and shouldn’t — do to maintain a healthy social media presence for your business:Do include a call-to-actionWhether you’re prompting readers...

If you’re advertising your business, you need to make every word count. That’s why it’s important to understand what weasel words are, how they can dilute your messaging, and ways you can avoid them in favor of more direct and impactful language.What is a weasel word?HubSpot Sales Blog editor Leslie Ye explains weasel words are used in an effort...