When the COVID-19 pandemic caused her practice to close temporarily, owner Sarah Safa sought relief by applying for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
However, she said applying for this loan through her previous bank was a grueling and frustrating process. She felt as if nobody on their staff had the answers she needed and also prioritized her needs below those of larger customers.
FIND A FRIEND IN FVCBANK
Although she was skeptical that a better option was out there, a friend urged Safa to connect with the team at FVCbank. The team “beyond exceeded” Safa’s expectations, supporting her through uncertain times and giving her a positive banking experience, she didn’t even know was possible for a small business like hers.
The organization and efficiency of FVCbank allowed Safa’s loan to be submitted and processed in a fraction of the time she believes it would’ve taken at her previous bank. In doing so, they relieved the mounting stress and fears Safa faced about actually getting the resources her business needed to survive.
Through all this, the FVCbank team made her feel as if she were part of their own family and she never doubted that they always had her best interests in mind. They went out of their way, making sure she knew she could reach out to them at any time with questions or concerns. To do this, the FVCbank team sent Safa regular updates so she was always informed about her loan status and when she could expect the money to arrive. This process provided a noticeable difference from when Safa had to spend hours of her own time researching and finding information on PPP applications and process.
“FVCbank’s personal touch made all the difference,” Safa said. “It was evident the team always put the customer first and strived to be a support system to us all during uncertain times.
For Safa, she found great comfort in being able to remove herself from the process and trusting the Bank to take over. With them focused on her financial needs and doing the majority of the work with the loan, she was able to take her mind off it and focus on what really mattered, the needs of her practice and patients upon reopening.
Due to the remarkable way the team treated her in such a short period of time, Safa switched her business completely over to FVCbank and looks forward to their partnership and shared success in the years to come. She has also referred all of her small business colleagues to FVCbank for their banking needs.
Footer
