ICBA Celebrates Community Banks Strengthening Local Economies During Community Banking Month in April

Washington, D.C. (April 1, 2025)—In observance of Community Banking Month in April, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) is reminding Americans of the pivotal role community banks serve in bolstering local economies, supporting small businesses, and offering relationship-driven banking services.

“Community banks fuel small businesses while building relationships that foster trust and support long-term growth in local communities nationwide,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “Their commitment to local decision-making, personalized service, and reinvesting locally is what sets them apart and helps promote strong, resilient communities.”

Community banks are embedded in communities across America—providing more than 60% of small-business loans and over 80% of the banking industry’s agricultural loans nationwide. According to the Federal Reserve’s 2025 Report on Employer Firms, net satisfaction among small business borrowers is highest at community banks—far outpacing online lenders and large banks.

“Through their relationship-based banking model, community banks are critical to local economies and the future of Main Street,” said ICBA Chairman Jack Hopkins, president and CEO of CorTrust Bank in Sioux Falls, S.D. "We know our customers, we understand their goals, and we’re invested in their success. When consumers and small businesses prosper, the whole community benefits.”

Community banks are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties while serving as active civic leaders. Through programs like ICBA’s National Community Bank Service Awards, the industry recognizes their contributions to local causes.

For more facts about community banks and to find a community bank near you, visit banklocally.org. Follow the ICBA Community Banking Month conversation on social media with the #BankLocally and #CommunityBankingMonth hashtags.

About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.