October is National Women’s Small Business Month
St. Louis, MO (October 9, 2024) According to Forbes, there are over 14 million women-owned small businesses in the United States, generating $2.7 trillion in annual revenue and employing almost 12.2 million people. During National Women’s Small Business Month in October, First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) wants to recognize the importance of women-owned small businesses and highlight some of its community partners.
Bonni Burns, Owner and Founder of BAM Marketing Agency in St. Louis, opened her doors 16 years ago with a vision of creating a marketing agency specializing in traditional media management. With First Mid’s support, she gradually grew her business into a full-service marketing agency that specializes in traditional and digital media, public relations, and creative development, among other service lines. The company, which now has more than 30 employees, is one of the fastest-growing women-owned businesses in St. Louis and the Metro East area.
“First Mid has played an instrumental role in the success of my business, beginning with one of my most valued mentors, Dennis Terry, the former CEO of First Clover Leaf Bank, prior to its acquisition by First Mid,” said Burns. “Steve Cooper, Division President at First Mid, has been a consistent and trusted partner throughout BAM’s growth. From all our business banking accounts to a variety of personal accounts, First Mid has been our go-to for financial advice. We truly feel like we’re in a partnership, not just working with a bank.”
Burns said while her business has made tremendous growth over the last decade, she has no plans of slowing down. The company recently completed a five-year strategic plan that will focus on client retention and acquisition. She said her advice for any other women considering opening their own business is to not be afraid of the challenge.
“For any woman considering starting her own business, I would encourage her to trust her instincts and go for it with confidence,” said Burns. “Having a strong work ethic, good social skills, and a competitive spirit has been crucial for me as a business owner. However, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve the success BAM has today without the support of my family, my faith, and my drive. Knowing you have both a personal and professional network behind you can give you the confidence to pursue your goals.”
For anyone interested in starting or expanding their business, visit www.firstmid.com/commercial-lending.
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About First Mid Bancshares, Inc.: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. is the parent company of First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., First Mid Insurance Group, Inc., and First Mid Wealth Management Company. First Mid is a $7.6 billion community-focused organization that provides financial services including banking, insurance, wealth management, brokerage, and ag services through a network of locations in Illinois, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin, and a loan production office in Indiana. Together, our First Mid team takes great pride in providing solutions and services to our customers and communities and has done so since 1865. More information about the Company is available on our website at www.firstmid.com. Our stock is traded in The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the ticker symbol “FMBH”. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender.