Even as the economy begins its phased reopening, we are still a long way from returning to normal. With many businesses already experiencing revenue losses and cash-flow problems, the prospect of further operational disruption is understandably discouraging. Now more than ever, business owners need to carefully consider their capital structure, debt levels and financing to make sure that current needs are balanced against future costs. Country Bank has been supporting the liquidity needs of our clients through this tough time and is prepared to work with them as we navigate challenges together — providing ideas beyond just rates and offering decades of experience and sound advice.

The current state of affairs underscores the value of having a plan in place to prepare for the unexpected and ensure that business operations can continue as normally as possible, regardless of internal or external disruption. Every business, regardless of size, should have a business continuity plan to:

1. Anticipate potential threats
2. Articulate what will happen to the interests and assets of the business if unforeseen events occur. Many companies, for example, found themselves scrambling to accommodate an entirely remote workforce necessitated by the pandemic. While no one could have anticipated the depth of the crisis, those who had the systems and infrastructure at least partially in place were able to adapt more quickly, and minimize the impact on operations and productivity

When running a business, it can be beneficial to have the advice of a trusted partner. There are many that offer such services, including outside consultants and management experts. A business banking team, too, can be an excellent resource for business owners seeking advice. A top bank will have an experienced team of professionals to help guide businesses on everything from capital raising and investing to cash management and deposits.