Centrust Bank

07/09/2026

For Chicagoland small business owners, the lender you choose matters.

A Chicago-based SBA lender may bring more than financing experience. Local market knowledge, regional relationships, and an understanding of the small business ecosystem may help make the process feel more informed and personal.

Centrust Bank pairs local banking relationships with deep SBA loan expertise to help business owners explore financing for growth, expansion, commercial real estate, equipment, business acquisition, and more.

Learn more about the advantage of working with a Chicago-based SBA lender: https://hubs.ly/Q04nXq1_0

Member FDIC

A Chicago-based SBA lender may offer local market knowledge, relationship-based support, and experienced guidance for small business owners seeking financing.

07/06/2026

Leasing may be the right place to start, but as your business grows, owning commercial property may become part of your long-term strategy.

Purchasing your own space may offer more control, room to customize, and the opportunity to build equity over time. But commercial financing may look different from a residential mortgage, from underwriting requirements to down payments, loan terms, and available options.

Our latest blog breaks down what first-time commercial property buyers should know:

Learn how to finance your first commercial property, compare loan options, understand lender requirements, and prepare for future ownership costs.

07/03/2026

At Centrust Bank, our people make the difference.

We bring local banking relationships, community knowledge, and deep SBA loan expertise together to support small business owners through important financial decisions.

Whether you’re planning for growth, exploring financing options, or preparing for what’s next, our team is here to help you navigate the process with personal service and trusted guidance.

06/30/2026

The right tools may help small business owners save time, streamline daily tasks, improve customer communication, and get clearer visibility into operations. But automation works best when it supports a real business goal, not just because it’s the latest trend.

Before you invest, consider:
✔️ Which tasks are slowing your team down?
✔️ What systems need to connect?
✔️ How will you measure the return?
✔️ What training or support will your team need?
✔️ How will the investment fit into your cash flow plan?

Read our latest blog on when and how to invest in automation: https://hubs.ly/Q04mcmD20

Member FDIC

Learn when automation may make financial sense, how to calculate ROI, and the best funding options for software, equipment, and process improvements.

06/25/2026

Thinking about opening a second location?

Before you sign a lease, order equipment, or start hiring, it may be worth taking a closer look at your numbers. A location-specific forecast, cash flow plan, and break-even timeline may help you understand what expansion could really require financially.

Read more on our latest blog: https://hubs.ly/Q04mcf_p0

Member FDIC

Learn how to prepare financially for opening a second location with Centrust Bank, from forecasting costs and cash flow to financing, staffing, and break-even timing.

06/23/2026

Recent tax legislation reinstated 100% bonus depreciation for certain qualifying business assets.

For eligible businesses, that may mean deducting up to 100% of the cost of qualifying new or used assets in the year the asset is placed in service, instead of depreciating it over time.

For local business owners considering equipment, machinery, vehicles, technology, or other major purchases, now may be a good time to review your plans with a tax professional.

Learn more in our latest blog: https://hubs.ly/Q04mbQRb0

06/19/2026

Applying for business funding before you urgently need it may give you more time to compare options, organize financial documents, and choose a financing strategy that aligns best with your goals. Waiting until cash flow is tight may limit flexibility.

Read our latest blog to learn why timing matters when seeking business financing: https://hubs.ly/Q04lD6kx0

Member FDIC

Learn why applying for business financing before you urgently need it may support stronger cash flow, flexibility, and long-term growth.

06/16/2026

Loan applications are not always based on numbers and paperwork alone.

When reviewing applications, local lenders may consider familiarity and trust alongside the financial information provided. For many small business owners, strong relationships with local lenders may help build credibility, improve communication, and provide helpful context throughout the application process.

Read more on our latest blog:
https://hubs.ly/Q04jYdwr0

Member FDIC

Learn how strong local relationships, networking, and community trust may help small businesses improve financing opportunities and funding speed.

06/12/2026

Veteran-owned businesses help power our economy.

This month on The Morning Blend, Tom Meyer from Centrust Bank discusses how the leadership, discipline and resilience built through military service may translate into business ownership.

With more than 1.6 million veteran-owned businesses employing millions of people across the country, veteran entrepreneurs continue to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.



Member FDIC