Visa and F&M Bank Launch Co-Branded “Practical Business Skills” Portal to Empower Local Entrepreneurs

Timberville, VA – [October 1, 2025] – F&M Bank, in partnership with Visa, today announced the launch of a new co-branded online learning hub, F&M Bank | Practical Business Skills. This free platform provides small and micro-business owners across Virginia with access to practical, stage-based resources to help them start, manage, and grow their businesses.

The initiative builds on Visa’s Practical Business Skills program, first introduced in 2019 to address high failure rates among small businesses by providing entrepreneurs with a “one-stop shop” for education in finance, operations, marketing, and payments.

F&M Bank, founded in 1908 and headquartered in the Shenandoah Valley, serves as a trusted community partner with deep commitment to local economic development. F&M has joined this program to provide entrepreneurs access to tools and resources that address their challenges firsthand.

Features of the portal include:

• Learning modules & videos covering business planning, finance, operations, and payments.
• Practical tools & templates such as calculators, checklists, and business plan guides.
• Stage-based learning tailored to startup, early, and growth phases.
• Guidance on digital payments and integrating Visa solutions.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities,” said John Sargent, Retail Banking Director. “This partnership allows us to connect local business owners with world-class resources, helping them succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.”

The F&M Bank | Practical Business Skills portal is available now at fmbankva.practicalbusinessskills.com/en.