Small businesses represent one of the largest underdeveloped growth opportunities for financial institutions — yet many still rely on fintechs and disconnected platforms to manage critical operations. This session explores how financial institutions can position themselves as trusted financial and technology partners for entrepreneurs and growing businesses. Drawing on industry research, executive benchmarks, and real-world examples, attendees will gain insight into emerging small business trends, evolving owner expectations, and the growing role of payments, embedded fintech, and AI in shaping banking relationships. Participants will learn how to identify hidden business relationships within their existing customer base, overcome common pain points, segment small business clients effectively, and develop a scalable strategy that drives deposits, engagement, and loyalty — while preparing for the competitive landscape ahead.
