re: Looking for recommendation for local business bank for small business?

I went through this same thing about a year ago. I started a microbusiness, and the commercial banks wanted to charge excessive fees and/or require me to use products I didn't need in order to get those fees waives.

So I went with a credit union (ASI, in my case, because it had branches convenient to my commuting route/day job). Absolutely free business checking, with a minimum $300 deposit, and a business savings requiring only a $35 minimum maintenance balance. It does have an online banking platform....I don't need a loan, or a credit line, or a credit card. I just needed a place to hold my cash, and the credit union is doing an admirable job of doing so without costing me a penny.

An unexpected bonus has been excellent customer service. The in person lines aren't the swiftest, but actual humans answer the phone & are happy to help you, even if the circumstances are a little complicated.

Not all credit unions offer business accounts: the one associated with my day-job employer does not. So I had to search a bit to find ASI. But I'm sure you can find a credit union that is small business friendly.