NORWAY — Leaders from Norway Savings Bank, Community Concepts Finance Corp. and its parent company, Community Concepts Inc., met to formalize an agreement between the two financial organizations that provides technical assistance and access to capital for businesses in the region.

Notable changes that will take place under the formal agreement include faster timelines for underwriting in joint lending ventures, streamlined inter-organizational referrals and increased access to educational assistance and business development services for applicants.

Norway Savings Bank has 24 branch locations and is a leading mutual banking and financial services company, headquartered in Norway.

Community Concepts Finance Corp. is a nonprofit lender with a mission to provide education and financial resources, including loans, for business and economic development activities in urban and rural low-income areas. It has offices in Lewiston and South Paris.