National Small Business Week: A Tribute to Those Who Keep Our Communities Thriving

Small businesses are the heart of our communities. They're the early-morning lights on Main Street, the weekend crafters selling handmade goods, the employers who treat their teams like family, and the dreamers who turn passion into livelihood. During National Small Business Week, our team at Midwest Bank reflected on what it truly means to partner with the entrepreneurs who keep our towns thriving.

What Small Businesses Mean to Us

Resilience That Inspires

Julie Deepe has witnessed firsthand the grit and determination of local business owners, especially through the challenges of the pandemic.

"All our small business owners were economically impacted by COVID, yet they survived! They were resilient and persistent and found ways to keep themselves afloat during a very difficult time."

Moreover, Julie reminds us that small business owners are more than the storefronts we see. They juggle families, budgets, and long hours just like the rest of us. In fact, many don't even have storefronts.

Julie says, "More people need to know about the non brick-and-mortar businesses… There are some pretty amazing people out there that sell things out of their basements, garages, and just online."

Because of this, her admiration for these makers, creators, and do-it-all entrepreneurs shines through. Ultimately, when we support them, we support neighbors who pour their hearts into every product and service.

Community Builders at Their Core

At the heart of every strong community are its small businesses, shaping local life socially and economically. Because of this, Jason Love highlights how closely small businesses are tied to the well-being of their communities.

"They work day in and day out to not only make the lives of their employees better but to make their community better."

He also points out something essential: small businesses understand that when the community thrives, they thrive. Through our banking relationships at Midwest Bank, we get to walk alongside them, celebrating the highs, supporting through the lows, and offering guidance every step of the way.

Turning Passion Into Reality

For Haley Schweers, the magic of small business is deeply personal.

"Supporting local businesses means investing in individuals who are turning their passion into a reality."

In close-knit towns like ours, people show up for one another. Haley sees that every day and being part of a business owner's journey from idea to growth is one of the most rewarding parts of community banking.

Why We Celebrate

National Small Business Week is more than a date on the calendar. It's a reminder of the dreamers, doers, and difference-makers who shape our communities. It's a chance to honor the resilience, creativity, and commitment that define small business ownership.

And it's a moment for us, as your community bank, to say thank you.

Thank you for trusting us. We're honored that you continue to build here.

Together, we're making our communities stronger.