History

Business First Bank was locally established in 2001 quickly giving local individuals and businesses proven reason to raise their banking expectations due to its superior level of welcoming, responsive and knowledgeable care with ultra convenience.  It is committed to providing a matchless brand of service availing itself and clients to all the benefits of our modern age.

With its original office on Santa Barbara’s Milpas corridor, Business First became profitable in just its third full year of operation.  During its 5th year, Business First expanded into its State Street flagship office.  Soon, year-to-year new client growth was doubling as more and more businesses and individuals “b-switched” to Business First.

In order to continue to grow, Business First partnered with the larger Heritage Oaks Bank, highly regarded in its communities of San Luis Obispo and Northern Santa Barbara Counties.  With a merger completed in October of 2007, Business First retained its brand identity, local leadership and front-line service team. With instant access to additional capital, Business First will be able to more rapidly expand within the South Coast of Santa Barbara, serve the community with much larger lending solutions, as well as offer additional banking services.

The Business First brand of banking is managed by aligning its processes, products and people around some key principles including:

1. Recruiting, developing, rewarding and empowering the best local bankers that exhibit high client service standards, initiative & personal community commitment
2. Offering ultra convenience through multiple channels including online banking and cash management, remote deposit technology and free courier service to and from client offices.
3. Holding itself accountable to customer-driven decision making and disciplined risk oversight.

Experience for yourself why more people have “b-switched” to Business First Bank.