Even as our economy becomes more global, it is increasingly driven by neighborhood enterprises — shops, home-based businesses and local wholesalers and manufacturers with $2.5 million or less in annual revenue. These "mass-market" small businesses are growing three times faster than the number of U.S. households and generating three out of four new jobs.

With 75 percent of these enterprises in our footprint — nearly 23 million in all — the bank has brought the same integrated operating model and focus on innovation to this market that it has to its consumer business.

"We are No. 1 in deposit market share," said small Business Banking President Mark Hogan. "Our big growth opportunity lies in providing business owners with easier access to capital and credit and helping them simplify management processes."

In 2006, we introduced Business 24/7™, a suite of small business services, including Business Credit Express™, a card-based service that helps qualified customers get credit easily, as they need it. We also offer an online payroll program, automated invoicing and bill payment, and access to health-insurance providers specializing in plans for small employers. And in many markets, our small business specialists bring the opportunities to the entrepreneurs.

• Free online banking for small businesses with BillPay™
• Integrated payroll, credit, payment and insurance services with Business 24/7™
• Fast access to credit with Business Credit Express™

• Small businesses are growing three times faster than the U.S. population.
• 58 million people work for small firms.
• 22.4 percent of small businesses in our footprint are our customers.