What bank accounts and services does a small business need? What financial tools are available for small business owners who are just starting out? How can a relationship with a local business banker help you be proactive in operating your business?

Starting off Season 3 of Financial Cents, Chris Sarver, vice president and business banking team lead at National Bank of Arizona, joins host Brent Cannon, executive vice president and director of community banking at National Bank of Arizona, to discuss the 5 most important accounts and services a small business owner needs for their business.

Though a business checking account may be the starting point for any business owner, a business credit card can help manage the cash flow cycle, treasury management can help the business pay vendors and get paid by clients quickly and efficiently, and lending can help the business expand. But perhaps the most important service a business owner can have is a relationship with their local business banker.

“The important thing is to have a relationship with your banker and have conversations on a regular basis as it relates to your business and where your business is going so those needs can be proactively provided for,” says Brent. But it’s not just about providing for your needs—having a relationship with a local banker can help ensure that the banking products and services you use can grow and adapt alongside your business.

“Finding a local banker, someone you can get ahold of, is very important,” says Chris. “They are one of the most valuable tools you can have in your toolbelt.”

“That’s what really distinguishes a banker,” Brent adds. “They’re there to work, they’re there to provide resources, and they’re there to help. But they aren’t there for only the cream on top of the cake; they’re there to actually do the work.”

Financial Cents is hosted by Brent Cannon and features insightful interviews and discussions with bankers at National Bank of Arizona. Based on decades of banking experience, Financial Cents provides the insights you can only get from a friend in the business.