“You seem great. But you’re small. And that scares me.”
It’s one of the most honest things a prospective customer can say to us: “You seem great. But you’re small. And that scares me.”
That kind of honesty? We love it. Because where you bank isn’t just a financial decision. It’s a trust decision. It’s about who holds your money, supports your growth, and picks up the phone when you’re having a tough day.
Here’s what we tell them: being small isn’t the risk. Being disconnected is. And that’s exactly what makes a community bank like Locality different.
Why Locality Bank Exists
At Locality Bank, we believe small means nimble, not limited. It means fewer layers, faster answers, and more attention. The kind of attention growing businesses rarely get from big institutions.
We’ve built Locality for the entrepreneur who wants more than a logo on a statement. They want a name, a face, and a banker who actually knows their business.
Still, many don’t recognize that choice right away.
It’s common to simply open your business account where you already do your personal banking. That can feel like the easy option, the familiar national brand you already know.
But as your business grows, banking needs change. Suddenly you’re navigating credit, fraud protection, cash flow management, and complex financing. And that’s often where the cracks appear. Getting a call back becomes harder. Personalized advice is limited. Loan decisions feel distant. The relationship you need as a business owner simply isn’t there.
That’s the gap Locality Bank was built to fill.
The Moment Business Banking Gets More Complicated
Over the last decade, South Florida has watched many of its local community banks disappear. Broward County alone dropped from 11 headquartered banks in 2015 to just 3 by 2020. That left many local businesses turning to large national institutions where they struggled to get a call back, or to fintech lenders charging 30% interest just to access capital.
To be clear, large national banks serve an important role in the financial system. They offer solutions and scale that serve many businesses well. But for many local businesses, what they need is something different. That difference is exactly why community banks like Locality exist: to empower local businesses to maximize their potential.
“My bank won’t call me back.” “I can’t get help.” “I feel invisible.”
Our founder and CEO, Keith Costello, watched it happen. And after decades in banking, including successfully organizing other banks before Locality, he heard from local business owners who needed something better.
Locality was built for them. For you. For every business owner who wants a banking relationship where they aren’t just an account number.
What Makes a Community Bank Different
Community banking isn’t about size. It’s about proximity. It’s about being local, responsive, and invested in the businesses right here in South Florida.
At a community bank like Locality:
- You’re working directly with decision-makers, not layers of committees.
- You have direct access to your bankers, including our CEO.
- You talk to real people who know your business and care about your success.
- And when something goes wrong, because in business it eventually will, you have a partner who answers the call.
We’re not trying to be the biggest. We’re trying to be the most helpful. That’s the role a true community bank plays.
If you’d like to dive deeper into why keeping your deposits local matters, we cover that fully here: Why Keeping Your Deposit Accounts at a Community Bank Makes Sense.
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
Some of our customers said it better than we ever could:
- “Previously we banked with larger institutions where you’re just a number. At Locality, you feel cared for. You feel as though someone has your back.” Anthony Clarke, ACC Unlimited
- “I pick up the phone, and I’m talking to a real live person who can make changes immediately.” Ted Bohne, Z Construction
- “I have my banker’s cell phone number. There’s not some long automated system to get through.” Carson Kutuchief, SoFloPT
- “Keith has built incredible teams at multiple banks. I’ve followed him to each one because of the care and attention they deliver.” Brian Gaines, Private Investor
The Better Bank for Business Owners
We’re proudly independent. Locally headquartered. Community-focused. And built for business owners who want a real relationship with their bank.
Because trust doesn’t come from scale. It comes from people who know your name, answer the call, and move when you need them to.
That’s why we exist. That’s exactly what we do.
If you’re ready for a different kind of banking relationship, we’re here.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Locality Bank makes no warranty, express or implied, nor assumes any legal liability or any responsibility for the accuracy, correctness, completeness, or any actions taken based on the information provided. Loan programs, terms, and requirements are subject to change. Deposit accounts are subject to account opening requirements. Always consult a qualified professional for specific guidance related to your situation.
