A catalyst is an agent that stimulates or speeds significant change or action. It enables change to proceed at a faster rate than under normal conditions. An entrepreneur or small businessperson intuitively knows that to grow and succeed it requires continual change. What worked yesterday, or even today, may not mean success tomorrow. They have their hands full with the myriad responsibilities of operating a business and with only so many precious minutes in the day.  A catalyst – advisor, partner, advocate – can help them achieve what they cannot do alone.  But together, they can move the business along more quickly to reach its dreams and goals.

catalyst building lincoln nebraskaUnion Bank & Trust established Catalyst as a banking initiative designed to help small businesses and startups be more successful. To support the effort, the bank is opening a 1,400-square-foot space in the new Canopy Street/Railyard development of Lincoln’s West Haymarket, a neighborhood bustling with business activity. Located at 350 Canopy St., the Catalyst space is expected to open in November.

This is a unique space with a special purpose.  In addition to being the primary office location for Union Bank’s new Catalyst Business Banking Advocate, it is a location used by entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses.  It’s a meeting place for creative thinking, collaboration, networking and learning.  Union Bank orchestrates some events and activities, but the space can be reserved by small businesses for their use including planning or team meetings, creative development and presentations or meetings with prospects, clients and partners. Catalyst provides a full suite of collaborative technology, including a 70” interactive digital board, high speed Wi-Fi, and video conferencing to name a few.  The office will have an exterior full-service ATM and Night Depository but will not offer Teller or other traditional banking services.

catalyst lincoln nebraskaThe office also houses Union Bank’s new Business Banking Advocate, Dan Gutzmann, a Lincoln entrepreneur who directs the new services. The Business Banking Advocate specifically works with entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses to help them navigate banking and lending services, and quickly overcome any obstacles they may encounter.

“Small businesses have always been critically important to Union Bank’s success,” said Kevin Keller, Union Bank’s First Vice President—Marketing. “Catalyst is a recommitment; making sure we stay focused on that startup and that entrepreneur and that we never lose sight of how important they are to our community. There’s such a new vibrancy and energy now in Lincoln, conducive to entrepreneurs and startups. We want to make sure we continue to support them.”

dan gutzman catalyst lincoln nebraskaCatalyst is responsive and quick, providing the customized support and flexible financial tools and advice to sustain them and help entrepreneurs grow. Catalyst is creative and will ask questions, listen, understand your vision and support it with creative solutions. Whatever your dream, Catalyst will help you get there more quickly. For more information on Catalyst, including information on how to reserve the Catalyst space, please contact Dan Gutzmann at 402.323.1935 or dan.gutzmann@ubt.com.