But yesterday those in line passed a small table at the back of the bank with an electronic picture frame that flashed wedding and school photos taken by Paul’s Photo Services. Rosmond DeRavariere, who runs the photo studio with her husband Curtis, stood beside the table ready to answer the public’s questions.

As part of Scotiabank’s celebration of “Small Business Week,” which began Monday, a different firm was invited into the bank each day to showcase products and services.

Curtis DeRavariere, who has worked at the photo studio since 1981, said he was grateful the bank allowed him to set up the display to get the word out about his company. Traffic patterns have gradually shifted away from his shop, he said.

“Our old customers know we are there, but our new customers that have just come to the BVI, they’re not familiar with lower Main Street as such because most of the businesses have moved a little bit,” he said.

Andy Davis, a small business manager at Scotiabank, said the bank planned the week of activities and displays to help firms network and gain exposure.  

“It’s an avenue for them to provide increased awareness of what they have and for people who don’t know where they are to be able to locate them and know what they do,” he said.

Mr. Davis added that this is the first time the bank has celebrated the week, though other Scotiabank branches across the region have held similar events in the past. In addition to the displays, the bank also plans to hold a cocktail reception for small businesses this evening. On Saturday, the bank will host a speaker from the National Business Bureau who will discuss ways businesses can improve their customer service, he said.

Mr. DeRavariere said that, in his opinion, maintaining good customer service is one of the biggest challenges small firms face. His business depends heavily on repeat business from longtime customers, many of whom first had their pictures taken by him when they were going to school.

“We have grownups, adults who come back, and what we’ve seen is we have pictures for them, and for their children, and hopefully for their grandchildren. And we feel privileged to be part of their family,” he said.