FSi Strategies credits PPP loan success to FVCbank

Founded in 2003, Washington D.C.-based FSi Strategies specializes in helping small- to medium-sized organizations successfully and strategically leverage technology to achieve their mission.
FSi Strategies moved its banking partnership to FVCbank in August 2019 with growth goals in mind. After years with their previous bank, FSi Strategies needed a banking partner that genuinely cared about its goals and one it could rely on in times of need. From day one, FSi Strategies Executive Vice President and acting Chief Financial Officer Nabil Aitoumeziane knew he found a dependable partner with the personal touch needed to feel like more than just a number.
When the company needed a significant line of credit to propel those goals, FVCbank helped without hesitation. Aitoumeziane credits that support for fueling a 30% growth in business and adding a dozen new employees to the FSi Strategies team. FSi Strategies’ move to FVCbank proved critical to their success in early 2020 as it did in late 2019.
FVCBANK HELPS SAVE JOBS THROUGH PPP LOAN EXPERIENCE
The COVID-19 pandemic caused FSi Strategies to go from months of exciting growth to the prospect of laying off staff in short order. This trend made the FSi Strategies team very nervous with the uncertainty of what could happen.
To avoid layoffs, Aitoumeziane decided to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan through FVCbank. The Bank worked around the clock to expedite the process and updated Aitoumeziane and his team at every step of the way. Aitoumeziane thought the process would take four to five months, but FVCbank secured a loan in just a few weeks and the process was “so smooth and easy,” he said.
This experience serves as another example of FVCbank’s reliability for its customers, always showing they care in good times and bad. To Aitoumeziane, the Bank’s culture of dedication and responsiveness, combined with their understanding of the challenges faced by small businesses, makes them so effective and dependable. The Bank employees always show an eagerness to roll up their sleeves and solve any challenges and address any needs, no matter how small or large, making them feel more like coworkers who work right down the hall.
Aitoumeziane expressed his gratitude for the FVCbank team and looks forward to a long partnership. The Bank’s care and quick action to secure the loan allowed him to not only keep his valued people in jobs with FSi Strategies but actually hire 10 more in the middle of a pandemic. “I did not have to worry about our business staying alive,” he added.
FSi Strategies continues its strong growth path and expects to expand their number of employees by 50-100% by the end of 2021.