BFST

Business First Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, operating through its wholly owned subsidiary b1BANK (formerly Business First Bank). The bank provides comprehensive commercial and personal banking services to businesses, professionals, and individuals across Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. Founded in 2006, Business First has grown from a single Louisiana location into a regional banking franchise through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, establishing significant market presence in attractive Gulf Coast markets. b1BANK focuses on relationship-based commercial banking with expertise in commercial real estate lending, commercial and industrial loans, construction financing, energy lending, small business banking, and treasury management services. The bank serves diverse industries including energy, healthcare, real estate, professional services, and various commercial enterprises. The loan portfolio reflects the bank's commercial focus with concentrations in owner-occupied and investor commercial real estate, business loans, and specialized lending including energy sector credits. On the funding side, b1BANK offers business and personal checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and sophisticated treasury management tools. The bank differentiates through experienced local bankers who provide consultative relationships, quick decision-making, and flexible solutions tailored to client needs. Business First has pursued an active acquisition strategy, completing multiple bank acquisitions that have expanded its footprint into Texas and Mississippi while strengthening its Louisiana presence. The company has maintained strong asset quality and solid capital levels while generating consistent profitability. Business First benefits from operations in growing Gulf Coast markets with diverse economies. The bank competes effectively against larger regional and national institutions by combining community bank service with the product capabilities and financial strength of a larger regional bank.