UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): July 17, 2020

BUSINESS FIRST BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (225) 248-7600

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company     ☒

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 ☒

(d) On July 17, 2020, the boards of directors of Business First Bancshares, Inc. (“Business First”) and b1BANK appointed Keith Tillage to serve as a director of each of Business First and b1BANK.

Mr. Tillage is not a participant in any transaction that would be required to be reported under Rule 404(a) of Regulation S-K. The Board determined that Mr. Tillage is an independent director under applicable Nasdaq listing standards.

On July 21, 2020, the Company issued a press release, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, regarding the appointment of Mr. Tillage to the boards of directors of Business First and b1BANK.

The information contained herein and the exhibit attached herewith shall be deemed furnished and not filed.

 (d) Exhibits

99.1     Press Release of Business First Bancshares, dated July 21, 2020, announcing the appointment of Keith A. Tillage to the boards of directors of Business First and b1BANK.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: July 21, 2020