AZ Business magazine ‘s “Excellence in Banking” feature for 2026 underscores the critical role financial institutions play in driving Arizona’s growth, highlighting innovation, stability, and community impact as essential benchmarks for industry leadership. The digital sponsor of Excellence in Banking is DSB Rock Island . Today, meet the financial organizations of the year making a big community impact for 2026.

Community impact organizations of the year for 2026

America First Credit Union

CDC Small Business Finance

CDC Small Business Finance empowers Arizona entrepreneurs who often struggle to access traditional lending, helping them grow businesses that strengthen communities. In 2023, the mission-driven lender provided nearly $24 million in SBA 504 loans to 31 Arizona business

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