High-touch, hyper-local presence means bank understands the real needs of the neighborhoods it serves

When most people think of a bank, they picture balance sheets, interest rates, and loan approvals. At Wintrust Community Banks, banking is about something more personal and more powerful: community. As the Midwest’s third-largest locally based financial institution, Wintrust has always believed that strong neighborhoods build strong economies.

Across Chicago, Wisconsin, Florida, Michigan, and beyond, Wintrust is redefining what it means to be a community bank by pairing traditional financial services with deep local involvement. It’s a model that’s paying off not only for clients but also for the communities they call home.

Local roots. Regional reach. Real results.

Instead of operating from a distance or supporting communities through one-time grants, Wintrust shows up in person and stays involved. With more than 27,000 volunteer hours in 2024 alone and over 500 employees actively serving on nonprofit boards, Wintrust doesn’t just fund community initiatives; it becomes part of them.

Instead of directing philanthropy toward a few national charities, in 2024, Wintrust supported more than 2,000 community-based organizations across the region. Its teams live in the neighborhoods they serve, attend local events, and build long-term relationships with grassroots organizations. This high-touch, hyper-local presence allows Wintrust to understand the real needs of the community and respond with meaningful, tailored support — not cookie-cutter solutions.

It’s a hands-on, sustained approach to impact that sets Wintrust apart in a banking landscape often dominated by scale over substance.

“Mid-market companies want more than transactions; they want a partner that understands their ecosystem,” says Elizabeth Okey, Vice President, Community Impact at Wintrust. “Our community investments are not a side project. They’re central to our identity and how we do business.”

That commitment is supported by action. With over $50 million in new Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) commitments, and 12 out of 16 Wintrust bank charters receiving an “Outstanding” CRA rating — a distinction earned by only 5% of banks — Wintrust is demonstrating what it means to embed impact into operations.

Community banking that powers entrepreneurs

Wintrust’s community banking model provides a unique edge in supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs. Unlike many banks that push products based on profitability, Wintrust prioritizes access and right-sizes loans exactly to a business’s needs.

“We’re not trying to sell people more than they need. Other banks might say something is free and tack on fees later. At Wintrust, we try to charge as little as possible and give small businesses the product that actually helps,” says Nancy Kuzma, Senior Vice President, Community Banking Manager at Old Plank Trail Community Bank, a Wintrust Community Bank. “What surprises people most is that we answer the phone. And we help them through every issue and challenge with real solutions, putting the small business first.”

Through micro-loans, educational resources, and highly personalized support, Wintrust helps businesses at every stage, from concept to growth. The bank’s community bankers are not just employees, they’re trusted advisors. They serve on boards, participate in committees, and volunteer regularly, giving them firsthand insight into the most pressing local needs and opportunities.

Wintrust also prioritizes financial education and credit-building. “Often the biggest hurdle to getting a small business loan is credit,” Kuzma says. “We work hard to educate and develop a solution to any issue to get them that loan.”

This intentional, boots-on-the-ground approach ensures that Wintrust isn’t just providing capital, but strategic support that helps small businesses thrive long-term.

Capital, access, and opportunity

Wintrust is closing capital gaps in areas where mainstream banks have often pulled back. As of 2024, it has invested more than $72 million in 20 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), supporting small business growth, housing, and infrastructure in underbanked neighborhoods.

Wintrust’s deep understanding of the CRA and its implications allows the bank to better serve historically underserved communities, ensuring they are not only included in the financial system but empowered by it. The bank’s top-tier CRA rating is a testament to its success in delivering tangible results for its communities.

Education is infrastructure

Education is another key piece of Wintrust’s impact strategy. In 2024, bank tellers, loan officers, and financial advisors dedicated over 3,200 hours to financial education, reaching more than 3,000 individuals. Programs spanned age groups and topics, from basic budgeting and credit education to debt management and homebuying readiness.

When it comes to housing, Wintrust combines traditional lending with innovative support programs. It’s a leading mortgage provider across the region, particularly for low- and moderate-income homebuyers. But Wintrust’s focus isn’t just about helping people buy homes; it’s about helping them buy the right homes. The bank works closely with individuals to understand the long-term financial implications of ownership and offers guidance accordingly. For those not yet ready to purchase, Wintrust also invests in affordable rental housing developments across Chicagoland, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

A commitment to local investments

For small and mid-sized companies, Wintrust delivers a powerful combination of community focus and institutional expertise. With niche groups specializing in everything from construction to franchise financing, its commercial banking team offers customized solutions across lending, treasury management¹, and capital planning, all anchored by a deep understanding of local market dynamics.

“We help our business clients grow sustainably and contribute to the health of the communities they operate in,” Okey says. “That’s what a long-term partnership looks like.”

Whether it’s helping a company scale, supporting a nonprofit’s mission, or empowering a family to build wealth, Wintrust’s formula is simple: invest locally, act with purpose, and stay committed. The result is a mutually beneficial partnership, one that uplifts businesses, people, and entire communities.

Speak with a banker about Wintrust’s partnerships with mid-market businesses and community leaders.