With employees regularly fleeing to bomb shelters — and some being called away to military service — these technologists must still serve a global clientele while confronting fear and destruction at home.

A key gauge of activity that tracks startups most likely to create jobs declined in October, potentially signaling the start of a slowdown after the rapid increase in interest rates. It presents a red flag for community banks and credit unions that are major lenders to small businesses.

Bank failures last spring forced many startup businesses to shift where they store their cash. JPMorgan Chase appears to be the top beneficiary, but other banks say they are just as eager to reel in deposits and do more business with the innovation economy.

The agreement includes funds for small-business lending and mortgages for low- and moderate-income borrowers in California and Massachusetts. It puts an end to questions about the fate of an $11.2 billion plan that Silicon Valley Bank inked before it failed in March.

Don't underestimate how lonely and messy entrepreneurship is, Walter said at American Banker's Small Biz Banking conference.

The program helped more than 23,000 consumers establish credit scores in its first year through partnerships with three fintechs, all of which were chosen to renew their participation.