Communities Unlimited makes loans to small businesses to position them for profitable growth leading to new jobs and local economic development. With loans of $1000 to $100,000, we fill gaps in small business financing. Below is additional information about how you can connect with our lending staff to inquire about a small business loan.

Communities Unlimited was certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 2001. Communities Unlimited has over $16 million in assets and has made over $45 million in loans to small rural communities and small businesses in 24 states.

Small Business Loans

Water & Wastewater Loans

Nuestra Casa

Small Business Loans

Apply for a Small Business Loan

Loan Request $20,000 and Under

Faster to complete
Determines Eligibility
Requires submission of less documentation
Is not a complete loan application
Need to complete the FULL application to complete the application process
Download the application for loan requests $20,000 and under (PDF)
Download the application in Spanish: Descarga la solicitud para préstamos de $20,000 y menos (PDF)

Loan Request greater than $20,000

It takes additional time to complete.
You will need to submit related documentation.
This is a loan application.
You will receive a response about approval for financing, terms and conditions as relevant.
Download the application: Loan Request greater than $20,000 (PDF)
Download the application in Spanish: Descarga la solicitud para préstamos mayores a $20,000 (PDF)

Small Business Lending Success Stories

Central Arkansas Pressure Washing Company Owner Makes Plans for His Growing Business

William Traylor is the founder and owner of 3-i Pressure Washing and Detail LLC., a full-service…

Dedication and Determination Guide Mrs. B On The Keys To The Tune Of Success

Emily Brandon is a popular figure in the Jackson, Mississippi, community. She left the school…

A Tour of Possibilites

A business providing a unique introduction to the Memphis area by exploring the African American…

A.K. Williams Construction, LLC

Austin Williams is a native Louisianan, from Dry Prong, LA., who has been in the construction…

Chef Yates Catering and More

Chef Christopher Yates is no stranger to the world of food. After graduating from culinary school,…

Full Lock Drift, LLC. – A Hobby Becomes a Lifestyle

Michael started holding events at multiple venues in the Oklahoma City Metro Area. As his hobby…

Water & Wastewater Loans

Communities Unlimited offers financing to rural communities and tribal nations to improve and maintain their drinking water and wastewater systems.

Eligibility includes local government, nonprofit corporations, and tribal nations that,

Serve a significant number of low-income customers;
Population of < 20,000;
Have the cash flow for debt service or have permanent takeout financing; and,
Are willing to accept no-cost technical assistance if needed.

Emergency Financing
In the event of a natural disaster or catastrophic system failure, emergency loans can be processed within 1 – 3 business days.

Rural Community Resources

Rural Community Water & Wastewater System Financing

Info sheet in English: Rural Community Water & Wastewater System Loans (PDF)
Info sheet in Spanish: Prestamos de Agua y Aguas Residuales (PDF)
Loan Application: Rural Community Water & Wastewater (PDF)
Spanish Loan Application: Solicitud de Prestamo Para Proyectos de Agua/Aguas Residulas (PDF)
Technical assistance is available for:
- Assessments for CDBG Applications
- USDA Facility Financing: Technical assistance cost may be substantially or completely subsidized by CU's funding from USDA.

To connect with an environmental staff member in your area: Submit the Contact Us form Call 479-443-2700 (M-F, 8a - 5p CDT excluding holidays)

Resources for Household Well and Septic Owners

Assessment Info sheet in English: Private Well Owner Assessment Program (PDF)
Assessment Info sheet in Spanish: Evaluacion de Pozos de Agua en el Hogar (PDF)
Septic System and Water Well Financing Info sheet in English: Household Septic System and Water Well (PDF)
Septic System and Water Well Financing Info sheet in Spanish: Prestamos para Sistemas Septicos Domesticos y Pozos de Agua (PDF)
Septic System and Water Well Loan Application in English: Household Septic System and Water Well Loan Application (PDF)
Septic System and Water Well Loan Application in Spanish: Aplicacion de Sistemas Septicos Domesticos y Pozos de Agua (PDF)

Rural Community Facilities

Info sheet in English: CU Rural Community Facility Financing (PDF)
Info sheet in Spanish: CU Prestamos Para Instalaciones Comunitarias (PDF)
Download the Application: CU Rural Community Facility Financing (PDF)
Download the Application in Spanish: CU Solicitud De Prestamo Para Instalaciones Comunitarias (PDF)
Technical assistance is available for:
- Assessments for CDBG Applications
- USDA Facility Financing: Technical assistance cost may be substantially or completely subsidized by CU's funding from USDA.

To connect with an environmental staff member in your area: Submit the Contact Us form Call 479-443-2700 (M-F, 8a-5p CDT excluding holidays.)

Qualifications for USDA RUS RD RLF

Eligibility includes local government, nonprofit corporations, and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations and other Federally-recognized Indian tribes that,

Serve a significant number of low-income customers;
The population of the service area cannot exceed 10,000;
The loan amount cannot exceed $200,000 or 75% of the total cost of a project. The total amount outstanding for all loans to one entity shall not exceed $200,000;
Term cannot exceed 10 years;
Loan recipient must meet test for credit;
Loan recipient must have legal authority to own, construct, operate, and maintain the facility, and for giving security for and repaying the proposed loan;
Have the cash flow for debt service or have permanent takeout financing; and,
Are willing to accept no-cost technical assistance if needed