Anne Giles Clelland, CEO of Handshake Media, and Kelly Kendrick, Assistant Vice President of First Bank and Trust Company, share a handshake.

Handshake 2.0 asked Kelly Kendrick, "What are three questions companies can ask themselves to decide whether or not a business loan from a bank might be right for them?"

Kelly Kendrick answered:

1. Do I really need a loan? For example, are my sales increasing rapidly, causing the need for expansion? Do I need to upgrade to keep up with competition? 
2. What other financing options other than bank loans may be available for my business? For example, alternative options to financing your business through a bank are venture capitalists, grants, gifts or contributions from family members, or accepting private equity investment. 
3. Do I have enough extra income to repay the loan? For example, what loan amount do I need and what will the payments be to repay the loan?

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Photo credit: Mary Anne McElmurray

First Bank & Trust Company, one of the top community banks in the United States, is a diversified financial services firm with office locations in southwest Virginia, northeast Tennessee, and the New River and Shenandoah Valleys of Virginia.  Financial objectives are addressed by offering free checking products for personal and business accounts, and assessing lending solutions managed by mortgage, agricultural and commercial lending divisions.  Comprehensive financial solutions are available through trust and brokerage service representatives. 

For businesses, First Bank & Trust specializes in business loans, business credit, and business finance.

First Bank & Trust Company is a client of Handshake Media, Incorporated, the parent company of Handshake 2.0.