DALLAS, Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vista Bank, one of Dallas’ fastest growing commercial banks, was recently honored by the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT). The largest state community banking association in the nation bestowed Vista Bank with a Gold Eagle Best of Community Banking Award for the “Path to Yes” financial literacy program.

The program, offered through the South Dallas Banking and Financial Literacy Center, equips underserved entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and mentorship to grow their businesses and access capital. The six-week course features four tailored tracks—ranging from startups to established businesses—and blends financial education with hands-on guidance from Vista Bank team members as well as Darlisa Diltz of the South Dallas Fair Park Innovation Center, an independent small business located inside the Vista Bank South Dallas location that offers entrepreneurial development and workspace. Participants graduate with practical skills in budgeting, credit, and capital readiness, along with a supportive peer network.

“Vista Bank is honored to receive this distinguished award,” noted the bank’s President & CEO John D. Steinmetz. “That said, this is exactly the type of work that all commercial banks should be engaged in, providing both training and access to capital for qualified loans; teaching underserved entrepreneurs who are willing to put in the work how to fish while providing a ‘quality pond’ for them to fish from.”

In the first Path to Yes cohort, 100% of participants were minority-owned businesses and 85% were women-owned businesses, several of which went on to secure funding or increase revenue. Beyond the program, Vista Bank also hosts monthly “Business, Banking, and Breakfast” financial literacy classes that have reached over 200 individuals this year alone.

“Since opening our South Dallas financial facility in May 2024, we’ve hosted more than 100 community programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and access to capital,” added Vista Bank Senior Vice President and Director of Community Development Lubbock Smith III. “With a new ‘Path to Yes’ cohort recently graduating in September 2025, we remain committed to expanding opportunity through hands-on education, personalized guidance, and strong partnerships that uplift and empower our South Dallas community through the power of small business.”

2025 marks the 34^th year that IBAT has celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of Texas community banks with the BOCB Awards. The Best of Community Banking competition is designed to honor local banks for their commitment to helping their customers, neighbors, employees, and community. BOCB Awards recognize community banks throughout the state for their innovation, creativity, and success in fulfilling a specific community or internal need.

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About Vista Bank

Best known as the Entrepreneurs’ Bank, Vista Bank is headquartered in Dallas and serves markets across North, Central, West Texas and Palm Beach. With a Private Client offering, more than 200 team members, over $2.4 billion in assets, and a rich 113-year history of Entrepreneurs Banking Entrepreneurs, Vista provides innovative solutions to personal and commercial clients alike while never sacrificing its top priority – putting People First. Learn more about Vista Bank, consistently recognized regionally and nationally as a top-rated financial institution, leading commercial bank, best workplace, and best in customer service.