CityBiz
April 23, 2024
Vista Bank is proud to formally announce a partnership with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce (DBCC) aimed at fostering economic empowerment and small business growth in the S. Dallas area.
This groundbreaking alliance brings together Vista Bank’s financial expertise and resources with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce’s deep community ties and commitment to advancing entrepreneurship among minority-owned businesses.
As part of the collaboration, DBCC will share office space in Vista’s new Fair Park location, where they will host the new Dallas Accelerator Program. In tandem with the SDFP Innovation Center, the Bank and DBCC will teach incubator financial literacy training for entrepreneurs, providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape. In addition, the partners are developing the foundation for a program that will offer micro-loan opportunities for businesses that don’t yet qualify for traditional lending products.
“We are excited to partner with Vista Bank to help South Dallas entrepreneurs grow and succeed in their businesses,” said Harrison L. Blair, President and CEO of the Dallas Black Chamber. “Vista’s commitment to the Chamber began years ago with event sponsorships but has grown strategically by providing new office space, having Lubbock Smith III, their VP and Director of Community Development serve on our Board of Directors, and developing an exciting microloan program expected to debut later this year. By intentionally equipping small business and community leaders, I’m optimistic about the impact of this partnership and the future of our community.”
“The Dallas Black Chamber has a rich history and proven track record of empowering small business owners across the region. Forging this partnership highlights our commitment of Entrepreneurs Banking Entrepreneurs in every market we serve, including the South Dallas community,” said Vista President & CEO John D. Steinmetz. “We know this effort will take years, be bigger than just our bank, and draw criticism along the way, but we are excited to get in the trenches with partners like the DBCC and SDFP Innovation Center, in order to help elevate the whole community.”
Last month, Vista Bank announced the opening of a new Banking Center in South Dallas located in the Fair Park neighborhood at 3225 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The location, which is Vista’s largest single banking footprint at over 11,000 square feet, will be the first new bank in the Fair Park region in over three decades and will be anchored by a Financial Literacy Center.
