A Spring Bank Staff Feature

Charitza Colon spent the first three years of her career in early childhood education in the Bronx before making the jump to community banking. Today, she’s a Commercial Loan Servicer with us at Spring Bank, bringing the same focus and detail to our clients’ lending processes that she once brought to her classroom.

Charitza’s Banking Journey

After earning her Associate’s degree, Charitza went on to teach early childhood education at three different schools through the thick of the pandemic, when the demands on teachers were unlike anything the profession had seen. It was challenging, formative work that she looks back on with deep appreciation.

“I have even more respect now for teachers,” she says. “I loved my time teaching, but was ready to turn my desire to serve my community in a different way, and work with adults.” 

Despite her love for teaching, Charitza was ready for a new chapter — one where she could continue making a difference in her neighborhood. She wanted to stay connected to the Bronx and to do work that mattered; our commitment to financial inclusion resonated immediately.

We met Charitza through a familiar face: Germarie, our Senior Underwriter. The two went to elementary school together in the South Bronx and are now reconnected as colleagues.  Germarie referred Charitza to Elena Gillcrist, our Commercial Loan Servicer, who helped Charitza learn the ins and outs of working at a community bank in New York. 

“It was challenging at first, but I had great training. Elena is very thorough and detailed,” Charitza reflects. 

Charitza joined our team with no prior banking experience, but plenty of drive and lived experience that connects with our mission. While working full-time at the bank, she also completed her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from CUNY and graduated Cum Laude! Her long-term goal is to become an underwriter, with a specific focus on supporting Bronx-based small businesses through our Commercial Lending program. 

Since starting her career in banking, Charitza has deepened her belief that financial knowledge is one of the most powerful tools a person can have:

“Stay engaged with your finances and the resources available to you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions because the more informed you are about your financial situation, the more confident you can be in making decisions for your future.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Ready to Work with a Bank That’s in Your Corner?

We’re proud to have leaders like Charitza on our team, and proud to serve the community she grew up in. If you’re a small business owner looking for financing options from banks in the Bronx, our Commercial Lending products are a good place to start. We’d love to hear from you!

Get to know other members of the Spring Bank team, like Accountant Jayson, Red Hook Branch Manager ReyJane, and Senior Underwriter Germarie. Learn about our other small business banking offerings, like affordable small business checking accounts, and our mission of financial inclusion. 

A Spring Bank Small Business Story

Founded by Mark Snyder, The Red Hook Winery opened its doors in 2008, at a time when starting a new venture came with plenty of risks. The economy was shaky, Brooklyn’s waterfront was still finding its footing, and Red Hook remained largely overlooked. For Mark, that uncertainty wasn’t a deterrent, but rather an invitation to build the 10,000 square foot waterfront winery overlooking New York Harbor that we’re familiar with today.

“I’ve always believed that challenging times are the best times to go all in,” Mark tells us. “It shows your commitment to the people and the place. If you can survive the hard moments, the good ones take care of themselves.”

The Red Hook Winery stands out as an urban winery – the first of its kind in Brooklyn, built on the idea that New York wine didn’t need to be exclusively from upstate to be authentic. Grapes could be grown across the state, brought to the city, and transformed into something meaningful right at the edge of the harbor.

The winery eventually moved to its current home on Pier 41, completing construction just days before Hurricane Sandy made landfall in October 2012. Two days later, the space was underwater, leaving Mark with a difficult choice: rebuild or walk away. Not only did he choose to stay, but he also became a vocal advocate for recovery, helping draw attention, resources, and support to a neighborhood that needed all three.

Mark’s commitment to revitalizing the winery paid off, with The Red Hook Winery coming back stronger, more resilient, and more intentional about its role in the community. The challenges didn’t stop with Hurricane Sandy, though. 

While working with the state on waste-management solutions for the winery, Mark and his colleague, Colin Lus, realized that making grappa (a spirit distilled from grape pomace) could reduce their organic waste by 80 percent. What seemed like an innovative solution turned into a legal battle when federal regulators questioned their licensing in 2016. 

No longer constrained by legal issues, Mark took the opportunity to launch a cidery in 2020, during the pandemic. Today, the cidery continues to grow, and Mark remains committed to uplifting the small business community in Red Hook. Both The Red Hook Winery and the cidery serve as homes for New York agriculture and viticulture, supporting and promoting other local producers. 

“Our model has always been that all ships rise with the tide,” says Mark. “If we support other New York producers, the whole region gets stronger. Our competition isn’t each other—it’s overseas.”

As a community bank in New York with a branch in Red Hook, that’s a philosophy that speaks to us. Since joining the Red Hook community in late 2024, our focus has been on uplifting local small businesses and supporting them with affordable banking solutions. Having worked with his wife, Sandra, the owner of Lundy Bros, we were so excited to also welcome Mark as a small business checking account customer. 

“Spring Bank’s arrival in Red Hook is so crucial for people who can’t travel, to just have access to local banking,” Mark emphasizes. “It has been fantastic for me because, first of all, they’re lovely people. They’re very easy to do business with. They’re very accommodating, very professional yet casual, and they know who I am.”

It’s been a pleasure working with Mark as we’ve continued to deepen our roots in the Red Hook community. Through our partnership, we’ve not only learned about his journey with The Red Hook Winery and cidery, but also about the evolution of Red Hook itself over the past decade. 

Mark is also a founder and board member of the Red Hook Business Alliance, which is committed to the economic vitality of the Red Hook community and the preservation of one of NYC’s most dynamic and unique waterfront neighborhoods.

“If the neighborhood succeeds, we all succeed,” says Mark.

We look forward to watching The Red Hook Winery continue to grow and adapt within an ever-changing landscape. While Red Hook is constantly evolving and challenges are inevitable, they’ve never slowed Mark’s stride – a quality shared by so many of the neighborhood’s small business owners. Looking ahead, Mark is focused on organic growth, strengthening relationships, and empowering the Red Hook community. 

Visit The Red Hook Winery and the cidery at Pier 41 to get a taste of Brooklyn-made wine on the waterfront. If you’re a Red Hook business owner looking for affordable banking solutions, including small business checking accounts and nonprofit checking accounts, visit us at 356 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, NY 11231.

Meet Jayson Ambrose: A Spring Bank Staff Feature

What sets us apart from traditional banks? Human connection. Every one of our staff members has a story that motivates them to go above and beyond for our clients as a community bank in New York. This month, we’re excited to spotlight one of our newer staff members, Jayson Ambrose, Spring Bank Accountant, who has contributed his skills and positive outlook to our team and culture since he joined us last March.

Jayson immigrated from the Bahamas to the United States, living first in Tennessee before moving to New York City. As the son of two entrepreneurs, he was exposed early-on to the day-to-day operations of owning, running and growing a small business. Late at night, Jayson would often find his father, an auto-electrician, at the table manually managing his books, and updating his financial ledgers. Eventually, Jayson took a hands-on role with his mother’s business as a teenager, sparking an early interest in accounting.

Jayson shares: “My parents taught me a lot about what it takes to successfully work for yourself which directly impacted my career choices. I wanted to understand how to support small business owners.”

After graduating from Fisk University in Nashville in 2017 with a degree in Business Administration, Jayson worked in finance, while simultaneously launching a life insurance company with his wife. He worked relentlessly to establish himself as a business-minded finance professional with the customers’ needs always top of mind. After he moved to New York City, Jayson’s ultimate goal was to find an accounting role, motivated by his desire to help small businesses manage their finances as he developed his accounting skills. We are so glad that path then led him to us!

As an accountant here at Spring Bank, Jayson manages the administrative tasks of daily banking services, including managing vendor relationships, wire transfers, forecasting budgets and investments. Though he has an extensive background in finance, this is Jayson’s first time focusing only on accounting, so it’s been a wonderful learning opportunity, which he is enthusiastic about.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is about the importance of liquidity, cash flow. It helps me understand why and how businesses fail. It’s essential to have a plan in place to make sure that the doors can stay open and you can recover from any financial setbacks,” Jayson explains. “Business requires a lot of forward planning and projections which I can relate back to my parents who are entrepreneurs.”

Jayson has never worked for a community bank in New York before, but he shares our commitment to small businesses and nonprofit organizations. Working here has given him a new perspective on the New York banking landscape.

“I love it here because Spring Bank is truly here to help the community. I encourage more small businesses to tap into their community bank in New York because I see the value and impact Spring Bank brings to small businesses,” Jayson tells us. “They treat people like people, not a number.”

We were immediately compelled by Jayson’s story because we knew he’d resonate with our mission and understand the work we’re doing to financially empower New Yorkers. Get to know other team members at Spring Bank, like Red Hook Branch Manager, ReyJane, Accountant Binnoy, and Senior Underwriter Germarie. Learn about our small business bank account options, and our mission of financial inclusion for almost 20 years.

In Partnership with Disability Opportunity Fund & the National Disability Institute 

There are acts of generosity in our lives that we don’t forget whether we are the giver or the receiver. This holiday season, we are so happy to create a little extra joy for 10 families who have been able to purchase modified vehicles by participating in our Assistive Technology Loan Program. 

In partnership with Disability Opportunity Fund (DOF), a fellow Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and nonprofit lender based here in New York City, over $295,000 of outstanding loan balances for modified vehicles were paid off, no strings attached. This includes, adapted cars, and modified vans for wheelchairs like the one that Kathryn received in 2024. The highest balance pay off for one family will be nearly $40,000! 

CEO Charlie Hammerman who founded DOF 18 years ago with his wife Nanci, views the organization’s role to “finance creative, highly scalable solutions for people with disabilities and their families.” So, when he was approached by the National Disability Institute to take the program over, he knew it was aligned.

“Two CDFIs came together to provide an early holiday gift for families. Spring Bank and DOF have been in partnership for a long time, so this is a simple way for us to give back,” says Charles. 

We were so pleased to assist families in purchasing their modified vehicles and to be able to work with DOF to provide this early holiday gift. As a community bank in New York, we are always looking for more ways to contribute to the needs of families. Learn more about the Assistive Technology Program, the work of DOF, and the National Disability Institute.

A Spring Bank Small Business Feature

Running any small business is difficult, but the food industry especially comes with its unique set of hurdles, including tight regulations, ingredient costs, labor challenges, and steep rents. Even so, Ayala Donchin faced these head-on, launching Evelyn’s Kitchen in 2009 with wholesale baked goods and private cheffing services. Sixteen years later, Evelyn’s Kitchen has grown into a beloved New York City brand, known for its signature Pudgies (delicious soft doughy cookies) and top tier catering services, and unwavering commitment to the community. We are so glad to be part of their small business journey beginning in 2020. 

Behind the Brand: Meet Ayala

Ayala didn’t start her career in the food industry. When she launched Evelyn’s Kitchen, she was coming off a successful career in working in Sports and Entertainment, but cooking, baking was a deep-rooted passion for her. Her love for cooking grew when her godmother, Evelyn, became terminally ill and she unexpectedly became her caregiver. While Evelyn was sick, Ayala started cooking for her and her friends, often hosting dinner parties at Evelyn’s Upper West Side apartment. It was a way for Evelyn to connect with friends in a low stress environment.  After Evelyn’s passing, Ayala knew it was time to finally follow her foodie dreams. She launched her business and named it in Evelyn’s honor.  The success that followed transformed Evelyn’s Kitchen into the powerhouse it is today.

From Home Kitchen to Retail Storefront 

Ayala leveraged her existing network from her 15 years working in Sports and Entertainment and was able to rapidly grow the business.  

“It was easy to have high profile clients because of my network, and people trusted me. I started the business with a wholesale division, baking blondies and brownies for Madison Square Garden. I also did private chef gigs for different athletes and entertainers,” says Ayala. “And we also did a lot of gifting that first year, managing all of the Corporate Holiday Giftings for the NFL, Def Jam, and several other companies.”  

Evelyn’s Kitchen began in Ayala’s small home kitchen, and within a year, she needed to move into a new location to accommodate the growing business. Within the first year Ayala realized that wholesaling wasn’t the future of Evelyn’s Kitchen, and with the help of Goldman Sachs 10KSB Program, she created a growth plan to open a brick-and-mortar business. By September 2012, Evelyn’s Kitchen opened their storefront in East Harlem. 

“At our storefront, we phased out wholesale and were focusing on retail and catering,” Ayala tells us. “I also joined a two-year small business development program through Columbia University’s Business School, and we just focused on growth.”

Ayala didn’t stop with the storefront, though. Her ambition always pushed her to aim higher and that’s exactly what she did with Pudgies.

How One Pudgie Ramped Up the Business

What’s a Pudgie? It’s a delicious, soft, doughy cookie; their nostalgic, handheld versions of beloved childhood desserts like Banana Pudding, Devil Dog, S’mores and Coconut Cream Pie.  Pudgies are not just a cookie. They are a whole experience and stuffed with fun ingredients like white chocolate and nilla wafers for the Banana Pudding Pudgies and Teddy Grahams, Milk Chocolate Chunks and Marshmallows in the S’mores. And it’s the key product that helped to expand Evelyn’s Kitchen. What better way to branch out than with a unique cookie? It didn’t take long for the word to spread and for Ayala and her team to receive national recognition. 

“Our banana pudding Pudgie was featured in Oprah’s ‘O’ Magazine on the ‘Favorite Things” list which got the attention of QVC,” says Ayala. “We were focused on growth, and this was an incredible opportunity. As most entrepreneurs do, we just say yes to everything and figure it out after.”

Evelyn’s Kitchen launched on QVC in 2015, just weeks after Ayala gave birth to her daughter, and the momentum didn’t stop there. Two months later, Ayala opened a second storefront in Midtown and started daily catering for the Trevor Noah Show, all while caring for an infant. 

“QVC gave us incredible visibility,” Ayala shares. “It was less about the immediate revenue and more about marketing mileage — we gained exposure, new customers and connections that would have cost far more through traditional advertising.”

Bouncing Back from Near-Bankruptcy

Just one year after launching on QVC the first time, the fast growth of Evelyn’s Kitchen outscaled capacity. She was in a moment that could make or break her business.

“By February 2016, I was at the point of declaring bankruptcy. The business had grown so fast, but I just couldn’t manage everything,” Ayala recalls. “I spoke to somebody who wanted to buy the business a year prior and after reviewing our financials, he told me that I should just close the business and go be a mom for a while.”

But with a 10-month-old daughter and a team to support, giving up on Evelyn’s Kitchen wasn’t an option for Ayala. The business had come so far, and she felt that saving the business would be just as much work as filing for bankruptcy. Ayala came up with a plan to save the business, which meant discontinuing catering services and closing down the newly opened Midtown storefront. From then on, the focus was on the East Harlem storefront, which was open for lunch and dinner every day, six days a week.

“By January of 2017, we were out of debt, and we were moving forward again. We started taking smaller catering jobs again, and by March 2020, we were a seven-figure business and doing in-house catering for Moet Hennessy and the National Basketball Players Association,” says Ayala.

Had Ayala shut down Evelyn’s Kitchen then, she would’ve missed out on new growth opportunities. Even with the pandemic eventually affecting the catering business once again, her resilience always pushed her to find new ways to grow the business.

Plans for the Future with a New Banking Partner  

Like most other food businesses during the pandemic, Evelyn’s Kitchen was pivoting every other day to keep the lights on and take care of the community, including daily meal deliveries. After a difficult time with a big bank, Ayala found her way to us in search of a PPP loan.

“The value of banking with a community bank became clear to me during the pandemic. Josefa and her team understand me and my business. They know that sometimes we have larger deposits or cash flow challenges, and they are accountable to us and us to them. It’s really made a difference in the last five years to bank locally,” says Ayala. 

Now with four small business accounts with us, Evelyn’s Kitchen is organized to continue to scale and grow. Just this summer, they hosted a second campaign on QVC, featuring their beloved Pudgies. We are so excited to support Ayala and her team at Evelyn’s Kitchen as they continue to expand. Check out all the Evelyn’s Kitchen has to offer this holiday season including fully catered Thanksgiving dinner delivered to your door and seasonal Pudgies gift boxes which include ginger snap and pumpkin spice latte flavors.

Learn how we can support the growth of your small business, too. From business checking accounts to SBA small business loans, our team is here to help you navigate your best path forward so you can stay focused on what matters most—your business! Get in touch with us here. 

Save Money this Back to School Season with Free NYC Resources in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn

School’s back in session, which means you’ve probably already spent a lot of money getting your kids ready for the new school year. Books, backpacks, clothing – they all add up and the expenses don’t stop there. Throughout the school year, many New York City families spend money on extracurricular costs, after-school childcare, tutoring, and much more.

Coupled with the rising cost of living, these back to school costs can put a strain on many families, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can support your financial wellness while giving your children a fun and exciting school year. There are so many free resources across Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, including free tutoring, after-school programs, extracurricular activities, and much more.

Whether you’re looking for free after-school help, low-cost supplies, or family-friendly events, here are some ways to set your child up for success this school year, all while protecting your financial wellness.

Queens
Take advantage of free educational resources and more in Queens:

• Queens Public Library (QPL) – With branches in nearly every neighborhood, the Queens Public Library offers free homework help, reading programs, and digital learning apps. Kids can access tools like Brainfuse for online tutoring or attend after-school clubs at no cost. Younger kids must be supervised by an adult. The QPL also offers free, fun events, including two back to school events on September 18th and 25th. Read their amazing back to school guide here, with information on early literacy programs, college readiness for teens, and more.
• The Child Center of NY – Located in Jamaica and other neighborhoods, this nonprofit provides free after-school enrichment programs, including arts, sports, and academic support.
• Queens Community House – Queens Community House has various centers across Queens, offering all kinds of free programs, including ones for teens and children. They provide an opportunity for kids to explore their interests and passions, develop positive social connections, and more.

The Bronx
Located in the Bronx? There are so many free educational resources and other opportunities for your family:

• After School Support at the Library: Just like in Queens, the New York Public Library (NYPL) also has many locations across the Bronx where students and their families can take advantage of free homework help, teen centers, college fairs, and other free programs. Library programs are great ways for kids to stay engaged after school without breaking the bank. Find a participating branch in the Bronx here.
• After School Programming at Eastchester Gardens: The Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corporation offers many youth programs, including a free after school program at Eastchester Gardens. This is perfect for parents who need childcare during after school hours. The program is available to kids 5 and up and offers homework help, fun activities, and other enrichment opportunities. Learn more here.
• Year-Round Music Training in the South Bronx: The cost of playing an instrument is prohibitive for many families, but organizations like UpBeat NYC are determined to change that. UpBeat is an open-door community music center in the South Bronx, offering free, comprehensive music education for students of all backgrounds. Learn more about their programs here.

Brooklyn
If you’re located in Brooklyn, take advantage of these free opportunities for your children:

• Brooklyn Public Library: No matter the borough, the library is an amazing free resource for your children and offerings differ by branch! Programming is available for kids of all ages – storytime, arts and crafts, chess lessons, and after school homework help are just some of the offerings available to your children. Teens can take advantage of tech equipment, gaming events, and even gender-inclusive personal care and hygiene items. Find a branch near you here.
• After-School Programs: The NIA Community Services Network offers free after-school programs funded by the New York City Department of Youth & Community Development. Kids can engage in STEM activities, receive homework help, play sports, and more. Learn more about enrollment here.
• Arts Programming: If you’re located in Red Hook, your child can benefit from the Red Hook Art Project’s free visual art, music, academic, and stress management instruction. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to foster creativity and receive personalized guidance to develop skills at their own pace! Learn more here.
• Brooklyn Book Bodega: The Brooklyn Book Bodega is dedicated to increasing the number of 100+ book homes in New York City. Throughout the year, they host book parties and programming to bring communities together to foster a love of reading, intentional book culture, and more. They host many fun events and participate in local events/markets, including the East New York Farmers Market, where they distribute free books! Find an upcoming event near you for free books, fun kids activities, and more.

Across New York City
If you and your family are facing food insecurity, housing instability, or need other forms of support, use these free resources to get the help you deserve:

• Find Free Food Near You: With City Harvest’s search tool, you can locate soup kitchens, food pantries, community fridges, City Harvest Mobile Markets, and City Harvest Community Partner Distributions that are currently distributing free food.
• Find Housing, Medical Care, Food, Social Services: United Way New York City can connect you to free and reduced cost services no matter where you’re located. Search for things like community support services, food pantries, healthcare, and housing support to connect with organizations in your area.
• Find Small Business Resources: The Pace University Small Business Development Center provides in-depth and confidential one-on-one business advisement, training and research to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs grow or launch their business venture, all at no cost to our clients. From helping to access financing to identifying contract opportunities, from product marketing to regulatory compliance, our experienced and NYS-certified business advisors have the expertise to help your business reach its full potential. Check out https://www.pacesbdc.org/ for more information.

Free Financial Counseling

As a community bank in New York, your financial wellness is our priority and we especially understand how important this is as you navigate back to school costs. Visit our Bronx or Red Hook branch to stay ahead of your goals this school year. We’re proud to offer:

• Affordable banking solutions, including personal checking and personal savings accounts.
• Free financial counseling services for everyone, every Monday at our Red Hook branch.
• Free Financial counseling services for everyone M-F at our Bronx offices in in partnership with Ariva.
• Free financial counseling services for customers through our nonprofit partner GreenPath Financial Wellness.

Stop by any of our branches to learn more about our affordable banking solutions, or make an appointment with one of Ariva’s financial counselors at our Red Hook branch to discuss your budget for this school year, review your credit, and more.

Brooklyn Edition

Personal checking accounts, savings accounts, and small business accounts do more than just hold your money. When you bank with us and make deposits in your accounts, you contribute to community development initiatives that directly support Brooklyn residents. Every day, we reinvest our customers’ deposits into loans that support small businesses, nonprofits and community initiatives, in turn, boosting local economic growth.

Our new branch in Red Hook is a prime example of why community banks in New York are especially important to local economies. We’re the neighborhood’s first bank in 10 years, meaning that residents and small business owners can finally access affordable banking solutions in the comfort of their own neighborhood.

Since opening our doors in Red Hook, we’ve had the pleasure of becoming active community members and sponsoring events hosted by local organizations like the Red Hook Art Project (RHAP) and Red Hook Initiative (RHI). Most recently, we proudly partnered with the RHAP for their Back to School Fair, which provided essential school supplies for local children.

In March, we were approved as a Banking Development District (BDD) and received a $10 million deposit from the state comptroller’s office.  That $10 million earns interest for the state while providing funds to support our affordable and accessible capital for Red Hook and Brooklyn businesses.

How can we keep this momentum going? With community members like you! By depositing in Brooklyn with us as your New York banking partner – you can benefit from:

1. Small Business & Nonprofit Reinvestment:  Our brick and mortar branch in Red Hook has been open for less than a year, but we’ve had strong relationships in Brooklyn for years. From restaurants like Brooklyn Bros and Red Hook-based Lundys, to nonprofit Artolution who designed and painted our beautiful mural, your dollars directly support the growth of our, your, community. Every time you deposit with us, you help to ensure the economic health of your neighborhood.

   Learn more about our small business and nonprofit lending options.

2. Personalized & Accessible Banking Solutions: Big banks are championed for their convenience, but we offer that and direct access to our team. Not only is our Red Hook branch led by seasoned banking professionals, they are mission-minded.
   • Meet ReyJane Gaudin, Branch Manager here
   • Meet Israel Santana, Assistant Branch Manager here

   As your local bank in Brooklyn, you have faster access to your funds, easier cash deposits, and in-person support from our friendly team. We’re also keeping up with the digital banking movement, so you can enjoy our mobile app and other online banking features.

   We also offer various personal checking account and small business checking account options, both with ways to avoid maintenance fees. Trying to transform your personal savings plan? Our high yield savings account has competitive rates. Need access to personalized lending services? We have different loans available with flexible terms and affordable rates – something we’re able to do because of customer deposits.

   Customers can also take advantage of our longstanding partnership with nonprofit Ariva through the Money Talk Mondays program, which offers free financial counseling services with an Ariva financial counselor at our Red Hook Branch.

3. Partnerships: Starting a new business? Want to organize a volunteer day? We’d love to hear about it and potentially get involved! We are always looking for more ways to practically support new ventures, events and emerging entrepreneurs. Stop by our Red Hook branch at 356 Van Brunt Street to speak with our team.

Depositing regularly at our Red Hook Branch is ultimately a win-win for you and the community. You get access to convenient and affordable banking solutions, while your deposits help us financially empower Red Hook. There’s no extra effort on your part either – just come in, meet with one of our friendly staff members, choose the personal checking, savings, or small business account that fits your financial goals, and start making deposits.

Help us keep the momentum going by visiting our Red Hook Branch and opening an account today!

Can you believe it’s been 7 months since we opened our new branch in Red Hook? As the neighborhood’s first bank in over 15 years, we’ve had the honor of connecting with local residents and businesses to provide affordable banking solutions such as small business bank accounts and personal checking accounts.

Our commitment is to be of service to our new neighbors and become their trusted New York banking partner. How are we getting it done? By hiring responsive mission-driven individuals that go above and beyond for our customers.

Get to Know Israel Santana, Our Red Hook Assistant Branch Manager

Israel Santana joined us as Assistant Branch Manager with over 10 years of banking experience and a love for helping people learn about their finances. Israel was introduced to us by ReyJane Gaudin, Red Hook Branch Manager.

“When ReyJane joined Spring Bank, she let me know how great the bank is and I started researching what they’re all about. I fell in love with the mission, just as she did, and I took the initiative when I found out they were opening the new location in Red Hook,” Israel tells us.

With extensive experience in New York banking, Israel was the perfect candidate to join our Red Hook team. He has witnessed firsthand changes in the industry, which is especially important to us as we join a community that was lacking basic banking services.

“The thing I love most about banking is the people. It brings me joy informing people about their finances so that they’re not blindsided,” says Israel.

As Assistant Branch Manager at our Red Hook branch, it’s Israel’s first time working for a community bank in New York.

“This is the first bank that I’ve worked for where the mission aligns with my own personal views. I’ve been in the industry for a while and I haven’t seen a bank like Spring Bank where the mission statement really reflects the work that they do,” says Israel.

Israel’s journey is a reminder that an impactful career in banking is possible when you choose a community bank in New York that’s committed to financial inclusion and empowerment. At Spring Bank, we believe in people over profit and are lucky to have values-aligned individuals like Israel on our team.

Building Trust and Connecting with Locals

Since opening our doors in Red Hook, our priority has been to become a part of the community. Our Red Hook branch is the first financial institution in Red Hook in over 10 years and that doesn’t come without obstacles.

“The Red Hook community is very vigilant and there’s a guard up because they’ve been through so much,” Israel explains.

Of particular concern among Red Hook locals is the anticipated waterfront development project, which could impact transit and infrastructure. In an effort to build trust and listen to local voices, Israel and our Red Hook team have been attending community meetings about the redevelopment project.

“We’ve been attending a lot of the community meetings to show support in the community,” says Israel. “A lot of our customers that live in the community are actually activists and come into the branch to give us updates on what’s going on.”

Though our work isn’t done yet, we’re grateful for the strides we’ve made in gaining community trust and it’s all thanks to our amazing team. We’re more than just a bank in Red Hook – we’re active community members.

“We get a lot of attention with our mission statement because we’re a certified B Corp and we care about more than just numbers. We’re focused on helping the communities that are underbanked or not banked at all, and that attracts a lot of customers,” Israel explains.

Many Red Hook locals stop by to ask questions, often inquiring about our personal checking and savings account options, while small business owners gravitate toward our small business bank accounts.

“A lot of Brooklyn small businesses inquire about our offerings via phone calls and emails. Many folks were already interested in opening a small business bank account at our Bronx branch, but it was just a little too far for them,” says Israel.

As we continue to build trust with the Red Hook community, we’re grateful for leaders like Israel who are committed to listening to local concerns and staying active in the community.

Going Above and Beyond As Your New York Banking Partner

If you’re in the Red Hook area and looking for a friendly New York banking partner, we’re here for you – our branch is staffed by compassionate individuals like Israel who enjoy helping customers understand personal finances and answering questions:

“The best advice I can give is to stay informed and educate yourself on what’s happening on a daily basis with your accounts. Pay attention to your liquid accounts for rate increases or decreases.”

Together with our Red Hook team, Israel is working on expanding our impact and building relationships with local residents and businesses. For transparent and affordable banking solutions, including personal savings accounts, personal checking accounts, and business bank accounts, visit our Red Hook branch at 356 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, NY 11231, where you’ll be greeted by Israel and the rest of our amazing team.

A Spring Bank Small Business Story

Are you a creative or aspiring entrepreneur looking for a supportive digital network that brings together diverse stories, culture, & creativity? eres. (eres is Spanish for you are) provides just that type of backing with initiatives like the Creators Collective and Be You Fest. We love supporting their vision as their New York banking partner!

The Faces Behind eres.

Christine Cortes and Michelle Polanco launched eres. in December 2018 with one overarching goal: celebrating the power of being you. The full name of the organization is a nod to their Hispanic heritages and their mission — eres. You translated to you are you.

The eres. mission is to produce culturally inspired media and transfigure the media landscape by placing representation at the forefront. They strive to one day be a premiere destination for community, culture, and entertainment for People of Color.

Empowering Creatives and Entrepreneurs with Creators Collective

We’ve explored a lot on our entrepreneurial journey. We focused on production first because our overall goal is to have a subscription and a membership model. We want to have a live streaming and forum-like experience, where people can find events, community and discuss content all in one Michelle tells us.

Michelle and Christine are merging those worlds while developing the people that are going to be the creators of all the content. That’s where Creators Collective, a digital hub for creatives and entrepreneurs, comes in:

With the launch of Creators Collective, we’re building a vetted community so that creators can feel empowered and supported in their journey. Once we’re ready to launch the subscription plan, creators will have an opportunity to showcase their work whether it be films, podcast, web series and more Michelle explains. We’re focused on developing Creators Collective and really engaging that community and nurturing those folks so that they can accelerate themselves in their careers.

Creators Collective is currently free and gives individuals access to grant and job postings, curated events, a directory of passionate creators to collaborate with, and optional, paid consulting services. To join, a short application is required.

We don’t evaluate the work in any way, we just ask for proof that you’re contributing to the creative ecosystem. Once we look at that, we give you an acceptance Christine explains. Right now, we have over 180 members.

Skill-building workshops are also available through Creators Collective, giving members the opportunity to learn skills integral to their career and business development, including social media strategy.

Building Community with Be You Fest

In addition to strategic initiatives like Creators Collective, Christine and Michelle are growing eres. with community-driven events like Be You Fest, an immersive creative festival centering BIPOC creatives & entrepreneurs through art, film, sound, and storytelling.

The first-ever Be You Fest took place this past May in the Bronx and will be a recurring annual event. We merged what would be a traditional media conference with a film festival that meets your favorite immersive experience. We hosted workshops, panels, and labs throughout the day, highlighting local artist of all kinds, and partnered with NYC community-based organizations says Christine.

Be You Fest attendees also had the opportunity to experience film installations, art activations, soundscapes, creative labs, and so much more. The festival was a success and a wonderful representation of eres.’s mission and goals. Not only is eres. building community with their digital platform, but they’re also going the extra mile to create long-lasting relationships which makes us all the more excited to be their NY banking partner!

eres., Five Years From Now
Christine and Michelle have a real vision for the future.

Our bigger vision is to launch our subscription and membership plans, and create sustainable income for us and creators like us Michelle shares. We want to have a new type of Netflix that specifically speaks to BIPOC folks and serves as a way to find community within. We want to be a one stop shop for your creative needs.

Christine and Michelle understand the importance of building meaningful relationships and providing services that resonate with their community — something that is equally important to us as a community bank in New York. With their dedication and innovative thinking, we have no doubt that eres. will continue to grow as a trusted creative outlet.

We want to provide a safe space for our community within the creative and media industries. When we talk about the subscription plan, we want it to be BIPOC-centered, with their stories at the forefront Christine adds.

We look forward to watching eres. grow and are so proud to support them along this journey!

Proudly Supporting eres. with New York Banking Services

Being rooted in community, we wanted to find a community bank and not really go to another corporate bank. Learning about Spring Bank’s focus on small businesses and the community itself was really what drew us to them says Michelle.

As a community-first organization ourselves, we were enthusiastic about eres. mission and the opportunity to become their New York banking partner! Part of our mission is to support small businesses that empower our local communities, and eres. especially fits the bill. As their banking partner, we support them with a small business bank account.

Spring Bank is Here For You

No matter your goals or the size of your business, we’re here to help. We offer a variety of affordable and transparent banking solutions, including small business bank accounts and business loans with favorable terms.

Looking for personal banking solutions? Take advantage of our personal checking and high yield savings account options.

Promoting Accessibility and Sustainability in New York City with The E-Mobility Project (TEMP)
Proud to be a Board Member of TEMP

We love New York, but we don’t love how difficult and unsustainable it is to commute throughout the city. Pollution is a problem, with 14% of the city’s PM2.5 particles, the most harmful air pollution for humans to breathe, coming from everyday car, bus, and truck traffic. While taking the subway is an alternative, it’s not the best fit for every New Yorker, which is why we are proud to be a founding member and board member of The E-Mobility Project (TEMP) (formerly known as The Equitable Commute Project) a nonprofit working to advance mobility options and sustainability in New York City.

How TEMP Advances Accessibility and Sustainability in New York City

TEMP works with the private and public sectors to implement pilot projects, advocate for policy, and conduct research to support electric mobility uptake. Spring Bank’s GoGreen Cycle Loan helps to facilitate usage.  And there is more to e-mobility than electric vehicles.

In our congested city, TEMP’s work is especially vital – micromobility vehicles have become a go-to transportation method for many, preferred for their cost-effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility. With widespread adoption of micromobility, we could see reductions in air pollution and traffic congestion, but the city isn’t quite there yet. Not everyone can afford micromobility vehicles and fire safety concerns have been raised, but TEMP actively works to combat both of these issues. They’ve deployed a variety of successful projects, including NYC’s first e-bike subsidy program, a fire-safe E-bike program, and most recently, The Charge Program.

New from TEMP: Access Grants in NYC with The Charge Program

Are you a New York City property owner interested in expanding access to safe and secure micromobility charging? TEMP has partnered with PopWheels to offer grants in NYC and technical assistance to eligible property owners for the installation of universal charging cabinets through The Charge Program.

With The Charge Program, property owners can apply for up to $10,000 in grant money for the purchase of a certified, fire-safe charging infrastructure. Any building owner in New York City can apply up until the August 15th deadline.

Why should property owners apply? As we work toward a more sustainable NYC, we need to develop the infrastructure to support micromobility users. By installing universal charging cabinets, property owners in NYC can benefit from:

• Attracting and retaining tenants.
• Reducing fire risk from uncertified lithium-ion batteries inside apartments.
• Supporting NYC’s climate and transportation goals.
• Boosting property value.
• Offering enhanced amenities for delivery workers, residents, and e-bike users.

Apply before the deadline to be considered for this unique opportunity!

Our Work Together Over the Years

As a community bank in New York, we’re proud to partner with organizations that make sustainability in New York City a priority. Over the years, we’ve worked with TEMP on multiple e-bike projects:

• E-bike subsidy program: In 2021, we proudly partnered with TEMP as they piloted NYC’s first e-bike subsidy program.
• GoGreen Cycle Loan at Spring Bank: In 2023, we worked with TEMP to design and launch the first credit-building e-bike loan available regardless of credit history. Apply at any time to access safe and affordable financing for your next e-bike purchase.
• The Sustainable Affordable Fire-Safe E-bike (SAFE) program: In 2024, we hosted an e-bike exchange program to support delivery workers trading hazardous e-bikes and mopeds for UL-2849-certified models.

We’re so thankful for our partnership with The E-Mobility Project – by coming together, we’ve transformed the micromobility landscape in NYC and delivered on our promise of using finance for a positive, environmental impact. With the GoGreen Cycle Loan, more New Yorkers can get their hands on safe and reliable e-bikes and contribute to a more sustainable NYC. We look forward to many more projects together and hope that this sets the precedent for more banks in NY to participate in similar initiatives.

New York Banking for a Better Tomorrow

If you’re looking for a New York banking partner that cares about more than just the dollar sign, we’re here for you. As a bank with branch locations in areas that are continuously affected by pollution and climate change, we go above and beyond in helping improve our local environment. This is reflected in the projects we fund and the organizations we partner with – every action we take is with the intention of benefitting the communities we serve. We regularly partner with organizations like The E-Mobility Project that advance sustainability in New York City and youth-focused organizations like Rocking the Boat that spread environmental awareness and help revitalize our local waterways.

Whether you need a business bank account, a personal checking account, or just want to explore your options, we’re happy to answer any questions and learn more about your financial goals. Let’s get in touch!