California Bank Targets Florida Small-Business Market.(Originated from The Miami Herald)

Apr. 17--Florida banks competing to make loans to small businesses face new competition from a distant source.

Wells Fargo Bank of San Francisco has launched a direct-mail campaign aimed at the smallest of small businesses.

The California bank recently mailed letters to 8,000 business owners in South Florida, inviting them to borrow money. The pitch was similar to the credit card solicitations that clutter consumers' mailboxes.

Congratulations, Wells Fargo said, you've been preapproved for a unsecured line of credit. In some cases, the bank offered up to $50,000.

The Wells Fargo campaign illustrates how banks are expanding across state borders even before interstate banking barriers are fully dismantled.

Florida lowers its barriers next month. Beginning May 1, banks from outside the …