Beaver’s Cafe was days away from laying off its seven employees and closing its kitchen to the 600 residents of Minto, North Dakota, when the local bank gained momentum.

Choice Bank has alerted cafe owner Steve Novak to a $ 350 billion government lifeline to help small businesses cope the coronavirus pandemic. On April 17, $ 10,400 entered the Beaver’s Cafe account, allowing him to do the payroll and keep his Mustang burgers on the grill.

“Normally you have to fight tooth and nail with a banker for money,” said Novak, who reopened his dining room after North Dakota allowed restaurants to resume table service. May, the 1st. me.”

The coronavirus has given struggling small banks a chance to prove their worth. After years of watching the big banks swallow deposits using their stylish digital apps and sprawling branch networks, community banks turn the story around and demonstrate the value of connecting with local businesses.