In every community, small and medium-sized businesses are the driving force behind local investment, job creation and economic growth. Businesses that partner with their community bank gain a competitive advantage through access to financing and financial solutions that support expansion, equipment purchases, commercial real estate acquisitions, and seasonal cash flow management.

At First Community Bank and Trust, we make every effort to understand your business and the story behind it. That’s why our commercial lending staff goes beyond the numbers to build meaningful relationships with our customers.

Why does that relationship matter? Unlike larger institutions or online banks that rely on centralized decision-making business models, First Community Bank and Trust takes the time to get to know your business and ask the right questions. By understanding your goals, challenges, and the local market conditions, we can provide guidance and solutions that help your business navigate both immediate needs and long-term opportunities. A strong banking relationship allows us to deliver a personalized approach tailored to each borrower’s needs and objectives.

Financing Solutions for Every Stage of Growth

The relationships we build with our customers give our commercial lenders the insight needed to develop financing solutions that support businesses at every stage of growth. By understanding your goals, operations and long-term vision, we can structure financing that aligns with your unique needs. Recent financing extended by the Bank include the following:

• Purchase or renovate commercial property (owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied)
• Acquisition of equipment (trucks, cars, machinery, etc.)
• Business expansion (adding additional office or warehouse space)
• Inventory or material financing
• Working capital lines of credit
• Issuance of letters of credit to qualify for or obtain new contracts

Preparing for Financing Success

Business owners can improve the lending process by maintaining organized financial records and planning ahead. Key items needed in every commercial loan application include the following:

• Last three years business financial statements and tax returns
• Year-to-date interim financial statement, if available
• Projections, if applicable
• Personal financial statement
• Business plan or use of loan funds
• List of existing debt
• Accounts receivable and accounts payable listing

Providing the information above helps us better understand your business, resulting in a smoother loan review process and more informed financing discussions.

Investing in Our Community

When local businesses succeed, the entire community benefits. Jobs become entrenched in the community, new opportunities are created, and economic activity grows. As businesses expand, so do the services and resources that support the community.

Community banks play an important role in that growth by offering local decision-making, personalized service, and financial solutions designed to meet the needs of local businesses and communities. As your community bank lender, John Lockie, Senior Vice President – Commercial Lending, is ready to answer your questions and support both the immediate needs and long-term growth of your company. John brings nearly 40 years of banking experience to his role. Having progressed from Credit Analyst to senior leadership, he brings a wealth of knowledge, proven leadership, and a forward-thinking approach to commercial banking and client success. He can be reached at (708) 946-2246.

About First Community Bank and Trust
First Community Bank and Trust is a privately-owned bank. Established in 1916 First Community Bank and Trust has been serving Beecher, IL, Peotone, IL and the surrounding communities for over 110 years. Our commitment to providing the best banking products and services is matched only by our outstanding customer service. We offer traditional community banking services, including mortgage, consumer, and commercial lending, as well as state of the art electronic banking services.

Press Contact:
Steve Koehn, Senior Vice President
First Community Bank and Trust
(708) 946-2246

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