Resources to Help You Start Your Business
Our free tools and resources take some of the guesswork out of starting your business in Northeast Florida. Our local experts are here to help with all your business banking needs. Click the Contact Us button when you're ready to get started.
First things first. Your business name and organization type define the impact you will leave on customers or clients. Choose wisely with help from free business start-up guides and resources at Community First.
Choosing a Business Structure
Discover the pros and cons of each business structure. Whether you want to go solo or team up, this free guide will assist you in choosing a structure that works for your business.
Choosing a Business Name
Choosing a business name is a strategic decision that can shape the identity of your business and influence how customers perceive your brand. Our free guide outlines the steps to choosing, registering and protecting your name.
Setting prices and managing cash flow are critical actions that help a new start-up stay financially healthy. The following videos can help you get ahead by knowing what key things to measure.
Setting Prices
Learn how you can take the risks and guesswork out of setting prices for your products or services.
Forecasting Cashflow
Understand the benefit of forecasting cashflow, and how to go about it in your first year of business.
Learn how to get your small business idea off the ground and into actionable steps with our free business plan.
Assess the financial feasibility of your business in today's market. Estimate your start-up costs and see how to lower your break even.
Keep your unique proposition all your own. Learn how to build a defense perimeter around your business idea, protect intellectual property and more.
Get ahead of your business's success by reading our article, "Four Strategies to Strengthen Your Start-up"
Business Banking Options
Learn more about our business banking offerings including checking, loans, and treasury management.
Fill Out a Business Inquiry
Fill out our Business Banking Inquiry Form and a member of the Community First Commercial Lending or Commercial Services team will contact you.
Account Opening Requirements
We are here to help you with all your business banking needs, but make sure you have the right documents. Learn more about what you need.
At Community First, we’re here to help your small business thrive in Northeast Florida. We’re committed to being a true partner for you - fast, local, personal, and always on your side as your business grows.
This is how we help you get started:
We offer business checking and savings accounts designed especially for small businesses. Whether you want to earn interest, save for new equipment, or just keep your emergency fund separate, we have flexible options that are easy to manage—plus, our mobile banking means you can take care of business wherever you are.
Need funding to get things rolling or to take your business to the next level? We’ve got you covered with a range of loans — whether it’s for working capital, buying new equipment, vehicles, or even commercial real estate. We make decisions locally and quickly, and our rates are competitive, so you’re not left waiting or worrying.
We love supporting our business members however we can, not just with products, but with real guidance and resources too. For example, we’ll help you understand the ins and outs of business credit, business planning, and even regulations like the FinCEN reporting requirements. There are plenty of tips and how-tos on our website to help you make the most of your business accounts.
When you bank with us, you don’t get a call center — you get a team of local professionals right here in Jacksonville. Our commercial lending officers and relationship managers are always ready to answer questions, offer advice, and help you navigate financing options that suit your needs.
You or your business should be located in our service area — most of Northeast Florida falls under our membership, so chances are, you’re already eligible. We serve the following counties in Florida: Duval, Baker, Brevard, Clay, Flagler, Indian River, Lake, Martin, Nassau, Orange, Palm Beach, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Volusia.
And, of course, we offer convenient services like fast change orders at our branches, business rewards, and handy mobile tools to make managing your money simpler than ever.