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Green Bay, WI - Bay Bank has been a trusted financial partner in Northeast Wisconsin for 30 years. Since its founding in 1995, Bay Bank has remained dedicated to empowering individuals, small businesses, and Tribal communities. It champions financial inclusion, economic opportunity, and community growth.
Bay Bank was established as a locally controlled institution to protect customers from disruptions caused by mergers and consolidations common in larger banks. In 2000, the Oneida Nation became the sole owner of the bank, strengthening its mission to provide accessible, community-oriented financial services, especially for underserved communities.
Today, that mission is more vital than ever, and the collaborations Bay Bank has built are more important. Through strong partnerships with tribal enterprises and economic development agencies, Bay Bank remains essential in fostering self-sustaining economic growth across the state. The bank works closely with tribally owned businesses and economic development organizations to support initiatives that create jobs and build wealth within Native communities.
“Tribal enterprises are the economic engines of their communities,” said Jeff Bowman, President and CEO of Bay Bank. “Our role is to be more than just a lender—we’re a partner in long-term growth. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with economic development in Indian Country, and we customize our services to meet those needs.”
Bay Bank works closely with tribal EDCs, which are increasingly taking on a larger role in diversifying and innovating in Native economies. These organizations are broadening their revenue sources—such as gaming and natural resources—into sectors like technology, renewable energy, real estate development, and professional services.
Bay Bank offers EDCs commercial loans and strategic financial advice to turn bold ideas into reality. Whether funding land purchases, mixed-use projects, or new business ventures, the bank’s support helps tribal EDCs pursue growth strategies that build intergenerational wealth and strengthen more resilient economies.
“Our goal is to support tribal communities in achieving their vision for economic self-sufficiency,” said Bowman. “When tribal EDCs succeed, the impact ripples outward—strengthening families, creating jobs, and supporting critical services like education, housing, and healthcare.”
The Wolf River Development Company (WRDC) showcases a long-standing partnership that benefits both the organization and the community. Bay Bank recently provided financial support for a new building that serves as the center for tribal enterprise development in the Menominee Nation. “Bay Bank did their homework before opening here — they took the time to understand what services were truly needed and made sure they provided them. Access to credit has been a game-changer for our local businesses. Bay Bank is doing outstanding work with contractors and helping projects move forward,” stated Crystal Chevalier, WRDC CEO.
For many Menominee tribal members, Bay Bank is providing access to banking services they’ve never had before. The HUD Section 184 home loan program has been a lifeline – allowing more tribal members to achieve homeownership.
What stands out most to Chevalier about Bay Bank is its approachability. She states, “It’s tribal members helping tribal members, and that comfort and trust make a world of difference. The Bay Bank staff is always ready to listen, connect, and make banking easy. They care about you and your success, and we couldn’t do the work we do without Bay Bank.”
A constant partner is how she describes Bay Bank. A partner that offers more than just financial services. It helps WRDC navigate complex loan processes and makes sure WRDC and its partners feel supported and valued.
“The intuitive approach, strong commitment, and willingness to support are critical to WRDC success,” commented Chevalier.
Through its partnerships with tribal enterprises, economic development corporations, and individual borrowers, Bay Bank is helping shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for Wisconsin. Its work reflects a broader truth: when Tribal Nations and Native-owned businesses succeed, the benefits extend beyond reservation borders—fueling job creation, strengthening regional economies, and contributing to the state’s overall growth.
“Bay Bank was built to serve our communities,” Vice President Nathan King said. “But our mission is also about building bridges—between Native and non-Native economies, between public and private sectors, and between today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s prosperity.”
As Wisconsin continues to grow and diversify its economy, Bay Bank’s unique expertise, cultural understanding, and deep-rooted partnerships will remain essential. Together with Tribal Nations and their enterprises, the bank is proving that when economic development is driven by collaboration, respect, and shared vision, the results are transformative—not just for Native communities, but for the state as a whole.
ABOUT BAY BANK
Bay Bank has a long and proud history of standing for its customers’ future. Founded in 1995, the Oneida Nation became the bank’s sole owner in 2000. The bank’s operations, policies and locally focused mission were enhanced after the purchase, as Bay Bank provided more federally funded programs to directly assist tribal members. In addition, Bay Bank and the Oneida Nation developed unique mortgage and entrepreneurial programs to assist Oneidas in obtaining housing and starting business ventures. Today, Bay Bank has assets of $300 million and a dedicated team of 40 employees with two convenient locations for customers in the Greater Green Bay area, as well as a branch office in Keshena, which opened in January 2021. Bay Bank is the only Greater Green Bay bank to offer the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program. Learn more at BayBankGB.com.