Redefining Success Through Commitment to Community, Culture, and Sustainability

BayFirst Financial believes in banking with purpose. Every loan we approve, every partnership we build, and every program we implement is designed to enhance the well-being of the individuals, families, and businesses we serve.

Leading With Purpose

“At BayFirst, our mission extends beyond financial services—it's about creating meaningful connections and fostering growth in the communities we serve. Our leadership is about more than managing finances—it's about leading with purpose. Our commitment to corporate social responsibility is reflected in every decision we make, from supporting nonprofits, creating financial literacy programs, to fostering economic inclusivity. Every action we take is grounded in our belief that success is measured by the well-being of those around us. By supporting initiatives that enhance financial well-being, we're not just serving our customers—we're building stronger, more vibrant communities together.”

Thomas G. Zernick
Chief Executive Officer, BayFirst

Our Mission

BayFirst Financial strives to be the first choice for individuals, families, and small businesses to enhance their financial well-being and foster growth. By seamlessly integrating technology with an amazing human touch, we are redefining the banking experience for the communities we serve.

Our Mission

Organizations & Causes We're Proud to Support

Rooted in Community, Connected by Cause.

Arts Conservatory for Teens
CDC Tampa
Florida Small Business Development Center Network
Habitat For Humanity
Keep Pinellas Beautiful
Meals on Wheels
NAMMBA
Pinellas County Schools
Sanderlin
SCORE
SPCA
Tampa Bay LGBT Center
west tampa little league
West Tampa Little League
Working Women

Championing Community

As a community bank, our commitment to improving lives runs deep and includes focusing on the greater impact we have on the communities we serve.

Impact, our community engagement program, encourages and increases volunteerism throughout BayFirst Bank. Through Impact, we maintain a corporate-wide focus on local nonprofits in the four key areas of Community and Human Services, Education and Financial Literacy, Arts and Culture, and Animal Services and Programs.

Programs & Products

We continue to seek new ways to better support every member of the community with the openings of loan production offices and financial resource centers in underserved neighborhoods. Our first, in the North Sarasota community of Newtown provides:

  • Personal and commercial loans
  • Financial education and outreach programs
  • Business resources for residents and business owners
  • A no-fee ATM, providing free access to funds

Through unique programs, we assist those who face unnecessary obstacles on their journey toward achieving their dreams.

Essential Checking

Our Essential Checking Account is designed to help those in difficult credit circumstances get their banking back on track. 
 

Minority Owned Business Lending Program

Our MOBLP underscores our commitment to combating the financial challenges facing minority-owned small businesses. In the first 10 months we more than doubled our two-year lending goal of $50 million and are just getting started.
 

Respect Everyone. Inclusivity is a fundamental, Not a Goal.

We are building an environment where everyone is given the opportunity to succeed, and the different perspectives and experiences of our team members guide us in addressing issues affecting BayFirst, our customers, and our community.

Supporting Women in the Business

BayFirst is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs as they start and grow their small businesses.

We’ve partnered with Working Women of Tampa Bay to celebrate and uplift women business owners in our community through events including:

•  Women Mean Business Expo
•  Glass Ceilings Are Meant To Be Broken DEI Panel Discussion
•  Power of Women Networking Luncheon
 

Standing With The LGBTQ+ Community

We are proud to support the LGBTQ+ Community.

VP, Banking Center Manager Stacia Schrader has been recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal in partnership with the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber as an LGBTQ+ Ally. At BayFirst, she is unwavering in her commitment to promoting awareness of and solidarity with the LGBT community. As a member of our Pride Committee, Stacia has played a pivotal role in BayFirst’s overall efforts to advance equality through her support of and relationships with:

  • Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
  • Girls Rock Camp
  • Balance Tampa Bay
  • Metro Health

Contributing To Success In The Hispanic Community

VP, Commercial Lending Officer, Anthony Perez was selected as the 2022 Hispanic Man of the Year by Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. This lifetime achievement award recognizes Anthony's commitment to success in our community. Anthony serves as the Chairman for the USF Latin Scholarship Advisory Committee and recently started a not-for-profit organization, Covered Hearts. 

Join Us!

At BayFirst, culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything we do. We're building something meaningful here: a place where people come first, ideas are heard, and community is more than just geography—it’s a mindset.

If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by progress, and passionate about making a difference in your community and beyond, your next opportunity could be just a click away.

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