11. Community Banking: Building Wealth, Trust & Opportunity

What does community banking look like when a financial institution sees a neighborhood as more than a market? In this episode of The Lift Effect Podcast, host Keyania Johnson sits down with Shakira Thompson and Dontrell Stills of Axiom Bank to discuss financial literacy, small business funding, access to capital, entrepreneurship, community investment, financial trauma, and the historic legacy of banking in Orlando’s 32805 community. The conversation takes place against an important piece of Central Florida history. Axiom Bank’s Goldwyn Avenue location occupies the same building once home to Washington Shores Savings and Loan, Florida’s first Black-owned financial institution, founded in 1963. The bank was created in response to Black residents and entrepreneurs being denied access to capital, small business financing, and homeownership opportunities. More than 60 years later, access to financial education and capital remains an important part of creating economic opportunity. Shakira and Dontrell explain what it means for a small business to become bankable, why talented entrepreneurs sometimes struggle to secure business funding, and how understanding financial statements, forecasting, banking relationships, and business finances can help entrepreneurs build sustainable companies. Dontrell breaks small business banking down into three simple goals: helping entrepreneurs save money, make money, and gain access to capital. The conversation also gets personal as the group explores generational financial trauma, why conversations about money can feel uncomfortable, and how childhood experiences with finances can continue shaping our behavior as adults until we intentionally begin changing those patterns. You’ll also hear how partnerships between Lift Orlando, Axiom Bank, local organizations, schools, businesses, churches, and community leaders can multiply resources and create opportunities that no organization could create alone. Because community investment isn’t only about dollars. It’s about access. Relationships. Trust. Partnership. Legacy.  And when those resources work together, the entire community becomes stronger. In this episode: • The history of Washington Shores Savings and Loan • The legacy of Florida’s first Black-owned financial institution • Why access to capital still matters in underserved communities • What makes a small business “bankable” • Financial literacy for entrepreneurs • Small business funding and access to capital • The importance of community banking • Breaking generational money trauma • Building trust between banks and residents • Faith, finances, and community relationships • Why partnerships multiply community impact • How organizations can invest beyond financial contributions If this episode inspired you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread stories of hope, leadership, and community transformation. Learn more about Lift and the work being done at: liftorlando.org *----------------------------------* *Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/* The Lift Effect is powered by Lift Orlando, where residents, businesses, and community leaders come together to strengthen Orlando's historic neighborhoods. Because every thriving community is built by people who choose to invest in one another. If today's conversation inspired you, we'd love to invite you to be part of the story. Visit www.liftorlando.org to learn more about the mission, explore ways to get involved, and discover how you can help create lasting change.