Arkansas has created a fertile ground for entrepreneurs, drawing in everyone from tech innovators in Fayetteville to generational family operations in Little Rock. With each new venture comes the need for a solid financial ally—one that can simplify day-to-day transactions, streamline lending, or bring a personal touch. Some banks lean heavily on high-tech platforms. Others strengthen bonds through community-driven service and local market knowledge. Here’s a look at the top contenders for small business banking in Arkansas in 2025.

The Top Banks for Arkansas Small Businesses

Arkansas may be known as the Natural State, but there’s nothing “natural” about the surge in entrepreneurship sweeping through its cities and small towns. In fact, recent reports show that Arkansas is the state with the highest opportunity share for new opportunity entrepreneurs—folks who’ve started their own business out of choice, not necessity. That’s a huge deal.

Chefs, tech founders, family-owned shops, and even local fishermen are powering a wave of business growth—and each one needs a banking partner that’s genuinely committed to helping them thrive. That’s where these 8 Arkansas standouts come into play:

1. North One

North One excels by merging streamlined automation with a mobile-first design. Instead of making a run to a physical branch, account holders can manage all essential transactions through the North One app or web dashboard. Transferring funds, paying invoices, and tracking real-time expenses become second nature with its user-friendly setup. For busy entrepreneurs, that’s a big deal.

Looking closer, North One offers both Standard and Plus plans. The Standard plan removes monthly fees and supports same-day ACH and automated bill pay. With the Plus option, businesses gain access to expanded transaction allowances, priority support, and personal guidance from a dedicated success manager. Both tiers feature a budgeting system built around “envelopes,” where funds for payroll, taxes, or general expenses are automatically allocated—saving owners the hassle of manual money management.

North One also helps business owners grow their bottom line. Eligible accounts can earn up to 3.00% APY on balances up to $250,000—nearly 42x the national average. Business purchases like fuel, hotels, and restaurants can also earn cash-back rewards, adding even more value to everyday spending.

Integration with popular software like QuickBooks, Shopify, Stripe, and more, further cuts down on those time-consuming bookkeeping tasks. By connecting key platforms, North One guarantees that each transaction stays accurate and up to date. For Arkansas-based businesses searching for an all-online banking experience, North One delivers a forward-thinking approach that pairs digital convenience with transparent pricing.

2. Signature Bank of Arkansas

Signature Bank of Arkansas has long emphasized a relationship-driven approach to banking. Staff members know the ins and outs of local industries and use that knowledge to match business owners with the right accounts, loans, and financial services. Basic checking options accommodate smaller transaction volumes, while premium accounts can handle the needs of busy or growing companies.

The bank supports real-time online banking, including mobile deposits and easy-to-use bill pay. Local decision-making for loans translates to less red tape and more personalized interest rates or repayment terms. For those who see value in a direct line to a banker who’s invested in Arkansas’s economy, Signature Bank offers both modern convenience and a friendly face behind the counter.

3. Arvest Bank

Arvest Bank may have expanded beyond Arkansas, but it hasn’t lost sight of its home-state roots. Checking accounts here offer multiple tiers to suit varying transaction volumes, and a robust digital suite makes tasks like remote deposit and ACH transfers a breeze. The bank’s cash management services cater to businesses juggling payroll, vendor payments, and overall receivables.

Local loan officers handle financing decisions, allowing for a smoother application process and tailored loan structures. Whether seeking equipment financing, real estate mortgages, or short-term credit lines, clients often enjoy the perks of working with a regional institution that understands Arkansas’s diverse market. Arvest stands out as a one-stop shop for companies that need both everyday banking and structured, growth-focused lending.

4. Bank OZK

Bank OZK, once known as Bank of the Ozarks, brings years of experience and a steady Arkansas heritage to its lineup of business products. Checking accounts come in multiple varieties, striking a balance between manageable fees and the advanced features mid-sized businesses appreciate. Real-time online banking includes automated bill pay, fraud alerts, and user permissions for delegation within a growing team.

Lending remains a high point for Bank OZK. It handles commercial real estate loans and equipment financing, often with local underwriters who know the state’s business cycles. This local lens typically helps streamline the loan process. For Arkansas entrepreneurs in search of modern digital tools combined with personal, in-state support, Bank OZK stands as a reliable choice.

5. Encore Bank

Encore Bank is building a reputation for putting customers first. Its business checking accounts keep requirements straightforward: maintain a certain balance to waive fees and gain access to real-time online services like mobile check deposits and electronic statements. The simplicity helps startups and sole proprietors get rolling without sifting through complicated terms.

Cash management is another winning feature. Automated vendor payments and direct deposits allow owners to spend less time on repetitive tasks, helping them focus on strategic growth. Encore emphasizes speed when evaluating loan applications, aiming to reduce the wait that sometimes hampers small businesses. It’s quickly becoming a favorite for Arkansas entrepreneurs searching for a modern, yet accessible, community bank.

6. First Arkansas Bank & Trust

First Arkansas Bank & Trust has carved its niche by offering individualized solutions anchored in local decision-making. Its checking accounts accommodate different business needs, and monthly fees can often be waived through average balance requirements. A clear, well-designed online portal lets owners check balances, pay bills, and monitor account activity in one place.

Financing options include SBA-backed lending, traditional lines of credit, and specialized loans for everything from real estate expansion to equipment upgrades. Because loan approvals happen in-house, there’s room for customizing terms that align with a business’s unique cash flow patterns. That combination of personal attention and modern functionality keeps many Arkansas entrepreneurs coming back.

7. First National Bank of NWA

Catering specifically to Northwest Arkansas, First National Bank of NWA recognizes that local understanding is critical. Business checking accounts are set up with user needs in mind—small nonprofits can opt for lower transaction thresholds, while larger companies can find flexible accounts with higher allowances. The bank also provides a user-friendly mobile banking app designed for quick deposits and transfers.

Its loan division often works closely with local development initiatives, aiming to speed up approvals when businesses propose expansions or look for bridging capital. The close ties to the NWA region mean the bank can be more agile in responding to market shifts. For businesses that call Bentonville, Rogers, or Fayetteville home, First National Bank of NWA strikes a balance between local loyalty and modern banking tools.

8. Simmons Bank

Simmons Bank, headquartered in Pine Bluff, has built a regional footprint without losing its local touch. Multiple business checking options come with transparent fees, offset by potential perks for maintaining certain balances or using additional services like merchant accounts. The online portal features mobile check deposits, same-day transfers, and a clear breakdown of fees.

On the lending side, Simmons provides an array of loans—lines of credit, equipment financing, and real estate deals—to support various growth paths. Bankers frequently coordinate with each other to tailor loan terms that match a borrower’s operational rhythm or expansion strategy. Its treasury management suite helps business owners automate recurring payments and track financial data in real time. For those wanting a single provider for daily banking, cash management, and long-term financing, Simmons’s regional strength combined with personal attention can be a winning formula.

Get the Right Small Business Bank to Support You

Arkansas entrepreneurs have more options than ever, but North One takes the lead for those craving a modern, stress-free approach to managing finances. Each of these 8 institutions has something unique to offer, whether it’s hands-on guidance or innovative digital tools. Do your research to find a partner that matches your priorities and frees you to focus on growth. 

Just remember: With North One at your side, every transaction becomes a springboard toward tomorrow’s success. Open a small business bank account today and see for yourself!