FREE GUIDES FOR RURAL ENTREPRENEURS

Building a business in rural Arkansas isn’t easy — but you don’t have to do it alone.

Communities Unlimited partners with small business owners to unlock funding, strengthen operations, and build thriving local businesses.

Ready to move forward? Get your guides and start improving your business today.

Learn what makes a CDFI different

Learn when loans make sense — and how to use them.

Learn when loans make sense — and how to use them.

Need funding to start or grow your rural business in Arkansas? We provide rural business loans and small business financing assistance designed to help entrepreneurs access the capital they need. As a certified CDFI and SBA-approved lender, we specialize in supporting rural entrepreneurs and small-town businesses with flexible funding options that traditional banks may not always provide. 

WHO WE SERVE

Whether you’re launching a new business or expanding an existing one, we offer flexible financing to start a business, including access to micro loans and community development business loans designed to meet the needs of rural entrepreneurs. We also provide credit-building opportunities to help strengthen your financial foundation and support long-term success.

WHERE WE WORK

We support entrepreneurs across Arkansas who are looking for the resources and funding to start or grow their businesses—especially in rural and small-town communities. Our programs focus on providing rural business loans, startup business loans, and small business financing assistance to help turn ideas into sustainable ventures.

 

Before You Ask...

Still Have Questions About Small Business Funding?

We’ve Got Answers.

Starting or growing a business—especially in rural communities—comes with a lot of unknowns. Our FAQ covers the essentials, from rural business loans and startup business loans to eligibility and small business financing assistance in Arkansas.

Take a look below to learn more about your options, and if you don’t find what you need, reach out—our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.

What types of small business loans are available in Arkansas?

We offer a variety of small business loans in Arkansas, including programs for startups, growing businesses, and entrepreneurs seeking credit-building opportunities.

How do I qualify for a small business loan in Arkansas?

At Communities Unlimited, we don’t have a strict credit score requirement. When considering an Arkansas small business loan, we look at a variety of factors. We work differently than traditional banks and can often help entrepreneurs who may not qualify elsewhere. Our goal is to provide accessible funding and support to help your business grow.

Are there loans for startups in Arkansas?

Yes! Communities Unlimited offers loans specifically for startup businesses in Arkansas. Even if your business is new and hasn’t generated revenue yet, we can evaluate your potential, business plan, and vision to provide funding that helps you get off the ground. Our programs are designed to support entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank loans, giving startups the financial boost they need to grow and succeed.

What Is an SBA Loan?

An SBA loan is a small business loan partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), designed to make funding more accessible for entrepreneurs. Communities Unlimited is an approved SBA lender, which means we can help Arkansas business owners secure SBA-backed loans. These loans often come with lower interest rates and longer repayment terms than traditional loans, making them a great option for growing your business. Our team can guide you through the process and help determine if an SBA loan is the right fit for your business.

What is a CDFI?

A CDFI, or Community Development Financial Institution, is a specialized organization that provides financial services and loans to underserved communities and entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank financing. Communities Unlimited is a certified CDFI, which means we focus on supporting small businesses and communities in Arkansas and beyond. Being a CDFI allows us to offer flexible, accessible funding and business support to help entrepreneurs grow, create jobs, and strengthen their local communities.

Can I use your loans to build my business credit in Arkansas?

Definitely! Our credit-building business loans are designed to help entrepreneurs improve their credit profiles while growing their businesses.

How do I know which loan program is right for my business?

Our team can help evaluate your business needs and match you with the right loan program in Arkansas to support growth and sustainability.

Are there any resources besides loans for Arkansas businesses?

Yes, we provide workshops, guides, and consulting services to support business owners in Arkansas with financial education, planning, and growth strategies.

YOUR ARKANSAS SMALL BUSINESS EXPERTS

Director of Lending

Michael Rivera
Area Director

Debra Leach
Economic Development Loan Officer

Candence Brooks
Loan Assistant

Amber McClellan
Yessie Hernandez
Loan Assistant

Yessie Hernandez

Director of Lending

Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera joined Communities Unlimited (CU) as Director of Nuestra Casa in April 2022 and was promoted to Director of Lending in January 2024. He leads a team of nine and oversees the loan process, as well as CU’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) program, which includes small business, consumer, and commercial portfolios.

Michael has more than 15 years of experience in banking and finance. During his time as Director of Nuestra Casa, he led a program that provides small-dollar loans to residents in Colonias for home improvement projects. He holds an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management and Marketing from Athens Technical College.

Phone:(870) 403-3285

Area Director

Debra Leach

Debra Leach, Area Director, joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in May 2021. She is responsible for originating quality loans through internal and external referral sources. She also develops strategies to market the bank’s SBA and small business grant programs to entrepreneurs with financing needs. She came to CU with a strong financial background, from her previous roles as a Vice President/Loan Manager for Arvest Bank as well as Vice President of Commercial lending for RCB Bank.

Debra has a BS in Business Administration, Marketing Management Orientation from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo.  

Phone:(405) 250-9316

Economic Development Loan Officer

Candence Brooks

Candence Brooks started at Communities Unlimited (CU) in September 2023 and is an Economic Development Loan Officer. Candence meets with borrowers to develop relationships, helps them get all accurate documents, and makes sure they are properly prepared for the loan process. She guides clients through the loan process and works with the loan committee to ensure that everything is ready for loan closing.

Before coming to CU, Candence worked as a Business Consultant for the A-State Small Business and Technology Development Center. Candence has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and a Master of Business Administration from Arkansas State University.

Phone:(479) 595-5053

Loan Assistant

Amber McClellan

Amber McClellan, Program Assistant (Loan), originally came to Communities Unlimited in July 2018 as a Receptionist and moved up to Program Assistant in April 2019. In 2020, Amber became the Executive Assistant to the CEO and assisted with AHCC, Loan Closings, and more. She eventually moved into a full-time Loan Assistant position in 2022. In this role, Amber accepts and reviews new loan applications, answers client’s questions, files necessary paperwork, and performs other administrative duties.

Amber attended Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville, Arkansas, and is a graduate of Farmington High School.

Phone:(479) 236-4291

Yessie Hernandez

Loan Assistant

Yessie Hernandez

Yessie Hernandez started CU in September 2023 as a Program Assistant (Loan). Yessie assists the lending team by accepting and reviewing new loan applications, answering client questions, filing paperwork, and other administrative duties. 

Yessie has an MBA in Business Administration and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She assists the Lending Team with loan documents and loan closings. 

Phone:(479) 856-4921

STORIES LIKE YOURS

Our Promise

To partner with people who want to escape from persistent poverty and connect them to solutions for achieving sustainable prosperity.

Our Purpose

Talent is equally distributed across the U.S. and opportunity is not. Access to opportunities should not depend on where you live, how much you have in the bank or what you look like.

Our Approach

Through human connection and ingenuity combined with cutting-edge technology and expertise, Communities Unlimited connects people to solutions that sustain healthy businesses, healthy communities, and healthy lives.

Contact Us
Apply For A Loan
Careers
Pay Your Bill
Board Members

Privacy Policy
Ombudsman
FY25 Audit
FY24 990

Let's stay in touch

Newsletter Signup

Communities Unlimited, Inc.
3 East Colt Square Drive
Fayetteville, AR  72703

P (479) 443-2700
F (479) 443-5036

This institution is an EOE Disability/Veteran employer, provider, and lender.
Persons with speech or hearing impairment may call toll-free 1-800-877-0996 for service in English and Spanish

Privacy Preference Center

Privacy Preferences