Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose Michigan banks in Detroit and surrounding counties

These retail banks in Michigan have business friendly locations with programs designed for your business.

I recommend: When doing business in Macomb County, First State offers loans, free night depository and merchant services. For downtown Detroit, visit National City business banking. For Michigan retail banks in Genesee and Livingston County, go to The State Bank.

Select a Southeastern Michigan retail bank

These banks offer special programs for business accounts. Some have branches throughout a large region.

I recommend: See the small business page at Charter One for checking, borrowing solutions, merchant services and payroll services. See the Bank of Ann Arbor for lines of credit, loans and business leasing equipment.

Find Southwestern banks in Michigan

Banks in this area of Michigan address the business needs of both cities and farmlands.

I recommend: In the Three Rivers area find agribusiness and small business loans, night depository and wire transfer at First National Bank. See County National Bank for business services in Hillsdale.

Check out the retail banks West Michigan has to offer

This region contains several large populated areas, resort towns and farmlands. For retail banks, West Michigan presents several strong options.

I recommend: In the Holland area see The Bank of Holland for merchant credit card services, loans and tailored business strategies. See Founders Bank & Trust in the Grand Rapids area for your Michigan retail banking needs. Mercantile Bank of Michigan has locations in Grand Rapids, Holland and Lansing, offering loans, payroll and courier services.

See Northern banks in Michigan

Northern communities draw businesses that cater to regular and seasonal services. Many state residents and out-of-state visitors go 'up-North' for hunting, fishing, skiing and other outdoor activities.

I recommend: For branches from Traverse City to Petoskey go to First Community Bank for loans, merchant bankcards and retirement services. In the UP, see the First National Bank of Crystal Falls for your business line of credit. Find Northern Michigan Bank & Trust in the Marquette area and other UP cities.

Locate Eastern area retail banks in Michigan

Several large populations situate themselves along Lake Huron. Residential and seasonal businesses dot these locations.

I recommend: In the Port Huron area see Citizens First for asset management and loans. See First Federal in the Alpena area for full service. In the thumb area, see Thumb National Bank & Trust Co.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many of these consumer banks in Michigan offer tailored plans for setting up retirement and investment programs for your employees. They'll put you in touch with specialists who will work with your business plans.