Pet Perfection
Stephanie DuBose’s journey from working as a kennel technician to becoming the owner of Wags to Riches Grooming in Vidor, Texas, showcases her love for animals and her determination to succeed. With two years of grooming…
Community-Driven Change
Luke Johnson, a local family physician and city council member in Alto, Texas, is passionately involved in several initiatives aimed at revitalizing the town. Alto, a small town in Cherokee County in the Piney Woods region…
Septic Relief
For four long years, Misty Hall lived in a state of constant anxiety. Her home in Jefferson County, Arkansas, was plagued by a failing septic system that had become a relentless source of stress. The system was not only…
Broadband Barrier
For rural communities, the lack of high-speed internet isn’t just a tech gap — it’s a roadblock to vital services, jobs, and healthcare. This digital divide keeps opportunities out of reach. Dr. Mary Williams, owner of…
Culinary Pivot
Chef Tonnette Khabir, the owner of Bobsaith LLC since 2006, has been a prominent figure in Dallas’ catering and food service management scene since 1993, earning a reputation for excellence. However, by early 2009, her…
Storytelling Success
DeSisso Publishing, founded by sisters Tristan Towns and Lacey Howard, is a Memphis, Tennessee-based business born from a passion for storytelling and a desire to empower children. “We started off just wanting to write a…
Clean Sweep
Walter Adams, the owner of Regal Cleaning in Amarillo, Texas, has always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. His journey into the business world took a decisive turn in August 2021 when he launched Regal Cleaning, a…
Trash Titans
Sunlight Services, a waste management business in Marvell, Arkansas, is owned by Andrea White and her husband. Over the past four years, they’ve steadily grown their company, supplying large metal trash bins to consumers,…
Landscaping Hope
Talbert Lawn Services in Little Rock, Arkansas, has become a key community business, transforming landscapes and lives. Founded in 2015 by Allicia Adams-Talbert, it was born out of necessity. Allicia’s husband…
Passion Realized
Amari Briggs, founder of Amari B Studios in Little Rock, Arkansas, discovered her passion for beauty nearly 30 years ago. It started in high school when she helped a friend with vitiligo regain confidence with a simple…
Paving the Way to Success
K & H Transport, owned by Mario Malone, is based in Madison, Arkansas. This specialized dump transport service is making strides in the sector, transporting gravel, sand, topsoil, asphalt, and other minerals for various…
Transforming from Within
Melville, Louisiana, is a small town of 746 residents located in St. Landry Parish in the southern part of the state, along the banks of the Atchafalaya River. Known for its fishing, Melville has a rich history and a strong…
Revitalizing Mosses
In the middle of Lowndes County, Alabama, lies the rural town of Mosses. Named in honor of the Moss family, the town represented a new beginning for African American families who were sold land by the Mosses during the Civil…
Crafting Solutions
Erica Pierce, the owner of Oya Kreations in Nacogdoches, Texas, started her natural skincare journey out of necessity. When her daughter’s severe eczema couldn’t be managed with existing products, Erica took matters into her…
Rapid Responses and Major Wins
In the summer of 2023, the Environmental Services Team at Communities Unlimited (CU) began assisting the Longview Water Association (LWA) near Starkville, Mississippi. In the northeastern part of the state, the LWA serves…
Business Protection
Rebecca Felts, owner of Felts Insurance Agency in Hemphill, Texas, is a shining example of how determination and community focus can lead to a successful career. With nearly a decade of insurance experience, Rebecca started…
Storm Challenges
Kansas is a small town in northeastern Oklahoma, within Delaware County. The South Delaware County Regional Water Authority (SDCRWA) provides clean and reliable water to 769 connections in the community. Over 21 years, the…
A New Approach
Synolo Wellness offers a fresh take on healthcare, driven by Nurse Practitioner Kristi Jones in the small community of Hensley, Arkansas. After years of working within the traditional healthcare system and facing her own…
Pine Bluff Housing
Matt Mosler launched Home Again Pine Bluff several years ago with a mission to revitalize the city block by block and empower low-income residents with the opportunity to own homes. As the pastor of New Life Church in Pine…
Pine Bluff Housing
In January 2022, Go Forward Pine Bluff teamed up with the City of Pine Bluff, Simmons Bank, and other partners to launch ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, yet Employed) Families, backed by the Winthrop Rockefeller…
Lewisville, AR
The Community Sustainability Team at Communities Unlimited is actively supporting the residents of Lewisville, Arkansas, in their pursuit of a vibrant community. Despite common negative perceptions about rural areas, we…
Second Time’s the Charm
Ruthie Landelius vividly recalls the day she closed on her initial loan with Communities Unlimited (CU) for her business Black Fig Food back in 2022. As she signed the final documents, a sense of relief washed over her, but…
Franchise Fulfilled
Eric Gray of Pearl, Mississippi, had spent the last 12 years working for the Department of Transportation (DOT). He also had a 23-year career in insurance investigation. While the jobs provided financially for him and his…
Infrastructure Grants Tackle Colonia Flooding
Flooding in Colonias directly threatens the structural integrity of homes and severely impacts the health and safety of residents. The stagnant water left behind after floods becomes a perfect environment for harmful…
Connecting Jonestown
Mayor Vivian Burnett faces a critical challenge that resonates deeply within her community. As she stands at the forefront of bringing broadband access to her rural town, she reflects on the many obstacles that have hindered…
Bridging the Digital Divide
Communities Unlimited (CU) is on a mission to bridge the digital divide in rural Mississippi by bringing broadband access to underserved areas where reliable internet has been a long-standing challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic…
Inspired by CU Workshop
The power of connection is magical, as shown by the inspiring collaboration between Laeil Pepin and Mark Browning. In December 2023, the “Rake It In” fund development workshop was held in Rusk, Texas, led by the…
Desert Town Woes
Sierra Blanca is an unincorporated Colonias community in Hudspeth County, Texas, located about 100 miles southeast of El Paso near the intersection of Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 90. This desert town, home to around 553…
Dedication Flows Deep
When posed a question about why he does what he does for a living, John Butler needed time to think to collect his thoughts. “Why am I a water operator?” Butler asked himself. While it may seem like a relatively…
Financial Clarity
Klassey Accessories is a woman-owned small business that sells high-end jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. Mary Esclovon founded it in November 2019 in Beaumont, Texas. Mary started Klassey…
From Russia to the United States
Healthy Flavors is not just about sustainable farming; it is a tale of love, resilience, and innovation that spans continents. Dan and Nadia Spatz’s journey from Russia to the United States led to an agricultural business…
Celebrating Black Business Month
August is Black Business Month, a time to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses. For the Entrepreneurship and Lending Teams at Communities Unlimited (CU), it highlights the incredible work and resilience of Black…
Ensuring Safe Water
In the northeastern part of Oklahoma, near the western edge of the Cherokee Nation, is the small town of Hulbert. This rural community, part of the larger region known as Green Country, is approximately 15 miles southwest of…
Joaquin Rises
Located in Shelby County, East Texas, the City of Joaquin has a storied history, dating back to its incorporation on June 15, 1914. This small municipality has long been a pillar of the community. However, recent events have…
Setting Goals and Planning Ahead
In Memphis, Tennessee, 3 Level Transport exemplifies family dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. The Entrepreneurship Team at Communities Unlimited (CU), led by Senior Management Consultant Rhett Douglas, has been crucial…
Genius Transformation
In November 2015, Tiarica Randle started Genius Tea in Memphis, Tennessee, aiming to harness the healing power of nature. Producing natural teas, lemonades, supplements, and salads, Randle’s business began as a personal…
Scaling Business
Kandice Winfield’s journey to becoming a notary wasn’t straightforward. Originally from Colorado, she learned about the idea from a young woman skilled at finding new income opportunities. “She asked me,…
Painting Success
In Conway, Arkansas, KingCare Painting & Construction has quickly become well-known for its interior and exterior coatings, facilities maintenance, wallpaper services, and drywall work. KingCare Painting &…
Sowing Seeds of Health
In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a fresh approach to healthcare is taking root. Communities Unlimited (CU) is pioneering the 12-week Food Farmacy project, a groundbreaking initiative that combats food insecurity by delivering fresh,…
Popcorn Plans To Takeoff
In Little Rock, Arkansas, Mr. Keith’s Kettlecorn is a beloved local treasure, attracting popcorn lovers from all over the city. This business began in 2013, founded by Keith Fulks after 32 years with Southwest…
Dream Realized
In Almyra, Arkansas, Murphy’s Bakery and Burgers, a new food truck owned by Misha Murphy, is filling a long-standing community need. This venture also fulfills Murphy’s long-time dream and starts a new chapter…
Breaking Barriers
LaTeasha Davis knows firsthand the struggles of overcoming a speech delay. Growing up in West Memphis, Arkansas, she experienced the frustration of limited access to therapy services. Now, through her business, Therapeutic…
Bridging Wellness
Village Public Health and Wellness Center, owned by Quinyatta Mumford, is dedicated to addressing the health and wellness needs of individuals aged 13-24 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mumford, a seasoned public health…
Little City, Big Plans
Atoka is a small community in southeastern Oklahoma with about 3,000 residents. It provides water and wastewater services to 1,280 connections and also supplies water and manages sewer services for the nearby town of……
Energizing The Future
In 2016, Mississippi Entrepreneur Will Shirley made a significant move by purchasing Sundial Solar, a Jackson-based company dedicated to harnessing solar energy for a brighter future. His journey began in technology and…
Growth Plan Success
Angela McGhee’s journey into the world of cosmetic skincare started long before she even set foot in college. Unlike many who go to college unsure of their path, McGhee always knew her passion. As a young child, she…
Pine Bluff Housing
Amidst the shadows, a beacon of hope emerges on W 13th & 14th Street in Ward 3 of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Construction is underway, foundations are being laid, and the promise of homeownership is palpable. This block marks…
Total Turnaround
Running a small business can be a relentless grind, especially when you’re pouring every ounce of energy into keeping it afloat. For Anne-Marie Jenkins and her husband Darryl, owners of iStaffing Services in…
Crucial Survey
Wagoner County RWD #2 faces a significant challenge: their outdated water plant needs over $6 million in upgrades. Without the funds, they sought help from various sources. The Cherokee Nation funded a study conducted by ISG…
Starting A Small Business
Have you ever thought about starting a business? Do you find yourself coming back to that thought repeatedly? Well, if so, then this may be the article for you. Owning a business can be very rewarding as it can contribute…
Blueprint For Success
In 2019, Zebrina Robertson started Tax Blueprint in Texarkana, Texas, to provide affordable tax preparation, insurance, and financial services to her community. Driven by fairness, Robertson left her previous job due to high…
Navigating New Waters
In Milam, Texas, Andi Sanders runs Toledo Bend Kayak Rental, located between Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn Lakes. The company offers fully insured kayak rentals and is expanding to include kayak sales, accessories, and custom…
Innovative Partnership
Brittany Scott, Owner and Lab Director of Semen and Embryo Advanced Technologies (SMART Repro) has turned a groundbreaking vision into a reality since founding the company in 2021. As the first USDA-inspected and approved…
Saving Texas Teens
Jennifer Drone has faced the harsh realities of life on the streets. Her journey began when she was just 12 years old. “I’ve lived it. I’ve been a homeless teen,” she recalls. “My mom…
Celebración de Hito
Communities Unlimited (CU) will celebrate the second anniversary of the Nuestra Casa Loan Program on July 13, 2024, at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Center in Weslaco, Texas. This program supports residents of…
Reviving Utica
Utica, Mississippi, once a vibrant hub of culture and agriculture, is now on the verge of a revival thanks to the local nonprofit Sipp Culture. Despite setbacks like losing its high school in 1993, the shirt factory closing…
Making Connections
In Louisiana, rural communities often face challenges like aging infrastructure and limited resources. To help, the Environmental Services Team at Communities Unlimited (CU) partnered with USDA-Rural Development. This…
Transformación de agua
Since its formation in 1965, Union Water Supply Corporation (Union WSC) has been the lifeline for the residents of Garciasville, La Casita, Santa Cruz, El Chaparral, El Refugio, and La Puerta in southern Starr County, Texas,…
Building Resiliency
Linda Weatherford moved to Dumas, Arkansas, in 1986, expecting a brief stop in her teaching career before pursuing diplomatic services. Instead, Dumas became her longest-standing home. Coming from a military family, Linda…
Lewisville, AR
The Community Sustainability Team at Communities Unlimited is actively supporting the residents of Lewisville, Arkansas in their pursuit of a vibrant community. Despite common negative perceptions about rural areas, we…
One Scoop At A Time
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwest Arkansas Entrepreneur Cassandra Coleman and her husband Mario, residing in Dallas, Texas at the time, embarked on a 90-day sugar fast. Cassandra, who is lactose intolerant and…
Unsung Heroes: Katrina Brewer
The Unsung Heroes Series is designed to shine the spotlight on extraordinary individuals in communities across our 7 state service area. Communities Unlimited is committed to exposing the amazing work happening…
Water Warriors
The Environmental Services Team at Communities Unlimited (CU) in Tennessee, led by State Coordinator Annie Chiodo, plays a vital role in resolving water system issues. Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs) identify problems,…
Lewisville, AR
The Community Sustainability Team at Communities Unlimited is actively supporting the residents of Lewisville, Arkansas in their pursuit of a vibrant community. Despite common negative perceptions about rural areas, we…
Pine Bluff Housing
Pine Bluff, Arkansas is situated where the Mississippi Delta and flat farmland intersect. The community has a rich cultural history and is known as the “Gateway to the Delta.” A decline in economic growth, and a history of…
Life Begins Now
Over the last few years, Deanna O’Malley recognized the critical need for increased empathy and support for those reentering society after incarceration. As a Community Facilitator on the Community Sustainability Team at…
A Clear Path Ahead
Winslow, Arkansas, like many rural communities, needed upgrades to its water system. A year and a half ago, as Winslow sought funding, Mayor Randy Jarnagan realized they needed a better understanding of their system.…
Revitalizing Dogwood
In 1961, the Dogwood Water Association (DWA) was established near Blytheville, Arkansas, in Mississippi County. For decades, it has been the lifeline for 527 metered water accounts. However, the aging infrastructure has…
Mississippi Business Rebounds
Kay’s Kute Fruit in Greenville, Mississippi, faced a major setback in the summer of 2023 when their fresh fruit and smoothie bar was broken into. Thieves stole the cash register, deposits, safe, and three table sets with…
Carrying the Legacy
Tennessee Entrepreneur Daniel Watson, the owner of Visions Enterprise and the Beneva Mayweather Food Brand in Memphis has been involved in the food business for most of his life. His late grandmother, Beneva Mayweather, who…
Severe Weather Devastates Texas Community
In late April, Trinity County, Texas, received 24 inches of rain in just three days, submerging the community of Trinity. This is a significant increase from the usual annual rainfall of 44-48 inches. Locals in Trinity…
Carpentry Business Expansion
Tennessee Entrepreneur Darron Robinson ran Sprick’s Cabinets & Carpentry Solutions from his home in Brighton, 30 miles north of Memphis. He started the business in 2021, with his wife Chalonda as co-owner and…
GIS Mapping Workflow
At Communities Unlimited (CU), the Geographic Information System (GIS) Team is led by Coordinator Don Becker, with Project Manager Trent Neathery and Specialists Alex Webb and Harrison Brown. This story explains how GIS…
Sustaining Sewage
The Girard Community Sewer System, established in 2007, is a privately owned utility in Richland Parish, Louisiana. Designed to support a rural population, it includes a pumping facility, treatment, storage, and collection…
Turning the Tide
Before becoming South Plains Water Supply Corporation (SPWSC) in July 2023, the system was an investor-owned utility in Lubbock, Texas, owned by Marion Smith. Smith had tried multiple times to sell the system without success…
Empowering Corporate Wellness
Tennessee Entrepreneur Deana Taylor is channeling years of expertise into her new business, Strong Minds, Strong Bodies (SMSB) Solutions, a fitness and wellness service designed for corporate compensation packages. With a…
From Corporate Finance to Coaching
Tennessee Entrepreneur Gwendolyn Tucker went from crunching numbers in corporate finance to guiding leaders toward success. Now, as President of Respect Integrity Excellence (RIX), she’s helping companies thrive…
Driving Entrepreneurial Success
Arkansas Entrepreneurs Cedric and Crystal Smith started JNM Trucking in August 2022, based in Rogers. Their company specializes in short and long-haul hotshot transportation, ensuring quick freight delivery to various…
Strategic Planning
Arkansas Entrepreneur Ashtone Dixon has been a hairstylist since 2011. She founded The Hot Spot AR | Salon & Spa in Conway in 2017 and relocated to Fayetteville in 2021. At Hot Spot Salon, Dixon services members of the…
Water System Expands
Corinth Water Supply Corporation (WSC) has been operating since 1969. Located near Grand Saline, Texas, 70 miles east of Dallas, the rural Texas water system has 395 connections and provides water to the communities of…
Revitalizing Rural Water
Down in southeast Oklahoma lies the quaint community of Big Cedar. Nestled amidst the picturesque Ouachita Mountains, this small community in southern LeFlore County harbors the remarkable tale of resilient Rural Water…
Supporting Amarillo, Texas
In Amarillo and its surrounding West Texas communities, Communities Unlimited (CU) stands as a beacon of support and engagement.With a presence spanning lending, community sustainability, environmental services,…
Limited Access No More
Kiowa is a small town in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, with a population of 731. Located in the southeastern part of the state, the Kiowa Public Works Authority serves about 350 water customers and 294 sewer customers. The…
Helping Youth Thrive
The question Tennessee Entrepreneur Pamela Ware is most frequently asked: how do you do what you do? “I knew at age 14 that death and I would have a special relationship,” Ware said. “I’m not afraid of death. I never have…
Vision Come To Life
Mississippi Entrepreneur Mildred Smith dedicated her career to serving as both a social worker and an adjunct professor at East Mississippi Community College until her retirement in 2022. Smith, whose family has held the…
Next Level Mom And Business Person
As a mom since she was 18, Texas Entrepreneur Ericka Bennett loved making her home cozy for her family. As her kids got older, Bennett started doing do-it-yourself projects at home. She found she was good at interior design…
Filling A Gap For Big Rigs
Scott Anthony has immersed himself in the automotive mechanic industry since the age of 20, acquiring knowledge through hands-on experience and on-the-job training. Anthony achieved mastery in automotive repair, obtaining…
Private Well Peace Of Mind
Groundwater quality in Tennessee varies widely across the state. While the western region is known for its reliable water sources, the geological composition in the middle and eastern parts of Tennessee creates differences…
Rural Communities Score Big
It’s all about being in the right place at the right time. That was the case for Communities Unlimited (CU) and the Community Sustainability Team in March 2024. Office manager Calise Smith was seeking to donate nine…
Louisiana Entrepreneur Expands Business
** This story is a follow-up to our story from April 2023 “New Salon A Natural Extension For Owner” ** In 2023, Louisiana Entrepreneur Justine McCall embarked on a life-changing journey. Following the opening of…
Passion Leads To Progress
Wright City, Oklahoma, once a thriving timber industry hub, faced economic distress following the closure of its primary employer in 2009. The loss of jobs and income strained the town’s finances, hindering efforts to…
Mississippi Entrepreneur Reaps Millions
**This story is an update to our original story “Mississippi Business Still Cleaning Up After 46 Years“ After almost 50 years devoted to the coatings industry, Mississippi entrepreneur Earl Washington…
Arkansas Entrepreneur’s Journey To Success
At 17 years old, John Peyton Schmidt decided to drop out of Fayetteville (Ark.) High School. During that period, he grappled with drug involvement, faced instability within his family, and struggled with substance…
Rapid Success
Since acquiring Unlimited Designs from a church friend in 2019, Janet Molandes has been at the helm of the Nacogdoches, Texas-based custom printing outlet. Unlimited Designs stands out for its expertise in crafting…
My First Community Visit
To say my first road trip as a staff member at Communities Unlimited (CU) was eye-opening would be an understatement. I started at CU on March 11, 2024, so I am brand new to the company. Being on my first road trip and not…
Loan Boost
Texas repairman Wilbur Griffin II vividly remembers May 19, 2019, as a day that started like any other. Griffin II, then a technician at Mr. Appliance, woke up, prepared for work, and set off in his truck. However,…
Farm To School
In 2022, partners Communities Unlimited (CU), Eat Real, and Healthy Flavors received a Farm to School grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen farm-to-school programs throughout the…
Joy On Wheels
For Arkansas entrepreneur Araceli Ochoa, the journey from waitress to business owner wasn’t just about financial success. It was about crafting a lifestyle that allowed her to be present with her 8-year-old daughter,…
Unearthing History
In the heart of the East Texas Community of Pineland, Texas, sits Georgia-Pacific Corporation, one of the world’s leading makers of tissue, pulp, packaging, and building products. Like many manufacturers, Georgia-Pacific…
From The Garden To The Shelf
Originally started as a means for a married couple to reduce their salt intake, Wholly Fire Foods, LLC has evolved from a home remedy to a natural condiment suitable for all hot sauce enthusiasts. Mississippi Entrepreneur…
Tennessee Entrepreneur Pops Big
In 2016, Memphis-based Tennessee Entrepreneur Lamus Rush III was in medical care, working as a nurse. On his off days away from the hospital, he dabbled in the kitchen, cooking up gourmet popcorn. It’s safe to say his…
Future Proofing A Rural Water System
Communities Unlimited staff began an EPA National Priority 1 Drinking Water Technical Assistance grant-funded mapping project with the East Columbia Water District (ECWD) on Feb. 20, 2024. The objective was to construct a…
More Than Laundry
North Heights Linen Service, LLC is a 30,000-square-foot facility located in Amarillo, TX, that serves hospitals and medical facilities with mass laundry services. But, North Heights Linen Service originated much further…
12 From 2023
2023 was a big year at Communities Unlimited that found new partnerships, new clients and new employees all leading to lots of growth together. These are the top 12 stories determined by page views from January 1st to…
Sweet Partnership With Arkansas Entrepreneur
Nearly every child has dreamed of taking a tour through a candy factory and eating enough candy to cause a stomach ache. Some kids wish for a chance to stroll through a land full of candy and see everything it has to offer.…
Small Business Loan Helps Arkansas Teacher Pursue Dream
Amanda George owns No Dress Code, an online boutique specializing in women’s and children’s apparel and accessories, based in Russellville, Arkansas who came to Communities Unlimited seeking a small business loan to fund her…
Connecting History in East Texas
Crockett is a city in the county seat of Houston County, Texas. The city has a population of approximately 6,332 and is the fifth oldest city in Texas. Being one of the oldest cities in Texas makes Crockett full of history.…
Small Business Plans Big Things in Little Rock
Pettaway Square, located in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, is an area where many entrepreneurs open their businesses and its newest resident is L’Etoile Nail Salon. L’Etoile is a new nail salon owned by Sheila…
Water System Continues Regionalization Efforts
Jefferson County, Arkansas, is located in an area known as the Arkansas Delta. Jefferson County consists of five cities, with Pine Bluff being the largest. The Wright-Pastoria Water Association is located in rural Jefferson…
Louisiana Entrepreneur Keeps Grinding
After taking over her late husband’s coffee business in 2017, Louisiana Entrepreneur Amanda Phillips had no idea that her small coffee shop would still be brewing almost fourteen years later. Amanda owns Tamp & Grind…
Entrepreneur Designs A Way To Make Her Dreams A Reality
When it comes to design, Entrepreneur Maria Isabel Barrero has found her space. Maria was born in Columbia but has lived in Little Rock, Arkansas, for over five years. She came to the United States to study but ended up…
Rural Texas Town Gets New Lift Station Pumps
The City of Wellman is located in Terry County, Texas, about an hour from Lubbock, Texas. Wellman was incorporated in 1975. The city was once a shipping point on the Santa Fe Railroad. The town was named after Augustus Ogden…
Arkansas Marshallese Business Grows
Alele Mart Marshallese Kitchen & Cultural Store is a unique market in the heart of Springdale, Arkansas. Sanya Pedro, a local entrepreneur and member of the Marshallese community in Northwest Arkansas, opened the…
Memphis Entrepreneur Has “Options”
Like any mother, Shalonna Burnett-Haynes has always wanted the best for her two daughters, Breana and Brittany, so there was only one “option” when creating a vision for the family’s future. Shalonna started cooking at a…
Partnership With A “Pig” Purpose
If you have school-aged children, you want to know that your kids stay safe, make good choices, and learn new things while at school. Parents trust that the school administration can make sure these things are happening.…
Small Business: Understanding Your Financial Statements
Financial statements may seem intimidating to small business owners, but they are required to make informed financial decisions. Let’s break down the different financial statements and provide practical tips on how to…
Decoding Financial Statements: What Small Business Owners Need To Know
As a small business owner, understanding financial statements is crucial for the success and growth of your enterprise. Financial literacy empowers you to make informed decisions, identify opportunities for growth, and…
WSBZ Farms Uses Grant To Benefit All
This story is an update to our original story announcing the partnership between Communities Unlimited and Cargill Black Farmers InitiativeRead The OriginalIn 2022, Communities Unlimited (CU) received a grant from Cargill’s…
Protect Your Business from Predatory Lending
In the world of business financing, not all loans are created equal. While many lenders operate with integrity and transparency, others engage in predatory lending practices that can trap small business owners in a cycle of…
BUILDING AN EMPIRE, ONE MEAL AT A TIME
Memphis, Tennessee, is known for its blues, soul, rock-n-roll music, and unique nicknames that capture the town’s heritage and interesting identity. Through the years, Memphis has been called the Home of the Blues, the…
M is for Melody, Macarons, Moms and Malls
To say that Melody Davis has a “sweet” job would be true. However, the journey to get there required a little dough. Melody Davis owns Melody’s Macarons, a gourmet bakery store that offers French-style baked products such as…
Not All Heroes Wear Capes: Texas Community Rises through Obstacles
Winona is a city in the state of Texas. The small town is three miles north of Owentown in northeastern Smith County. With a population of around 576 residents, the town dates back to 1870 when it was established on the old…
Resilience In Gordon Alabama
Gordon was first incorporated in 1872 and is located in Houston County, in southeastern Alabama, neighboring Georgia and Florida. The small community was first established as a trading post on the Chattahoochee River. It…
Community Sustainability featured on podcast
Dawn Parker from our Community Sustainability team was featured on the Texarkana Gazette’s podcast “On The Line” recently. Give it a listen as she introduces the people of the Texarkana area to CU and what…
Arkansas Small Business Gets A Clean Start
In 2019, when Healthcare workers were in high demand due to COVID-19, Tabatha Vail from Marion, Arkansas, earned her Master’s in Healthcare Administration. She aimed to further her healthcare career and eventually started…
Creating Wealth Through Entrepreneurship
Starting a small business is a unique decision that varies among owners, each with their own personal reasons. Understanding their true motivation for starting their venture often requires asking several questions, but…
MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS STILL CLEANING UP AFTER 46 YEARS
Earl Washington from Jackson, Mississippi, owns U.S. Coating Specialties & Supplies, Inc., which specializes in cleaning supplies, and commercial and industrial equipment for hospitals, schools, and other government…
Small Texas Water System Needs Emergency Funding
Lakehills is a small farming town twelve miles west of San Antonio, Texas. The community of Lakehills has relied on Medina Highlands Water System since 1976. In 2009, Avalon Point Water Services, LLC. was created to own and…
Broadband Basics 101 For Communities
In this video Communities Unlimited Area Director For Broadband Catherine Krantz shares the basics of broadband. You’ll get the knowledge you need to have effective conversations about broadband in your community and…
Small Talk With Communities Unlimited Episode 6
Episode 3 of our three-part series about housing with Audra Butler leads us into what Communities Unlimited is building with housing initiatives and what the future looks like.
What Small Business Owners Should Know About Digital Marketing
In today’s virtual world, digital marketing has become a crucial tool for small business owners to reach a wider audience at a reduced cost compared to traditional marketing methods. With well-designed digital…
Raising Spirits In The Delta
The City of Helena-West Helena is located in the Arkansas Delta, where the Mississippi River is the eastern boundary. The area is known as the delta farmland because the landscape is rich and flat. The Arkansas Delta is one…
BEAD Funding Allocated For Broadband Infrastructure
In case you missed the big broadband funding news on Monday (6/26/23), President Biden handed out over $40 billion dollars to states for broadband infrastructure deployment as part of the historic BEAD (Broadband Equity…
Caribbean Roots Lay Foundation For Memphis Entrepreneur
Although Memphis Entrepreneur Ashton Knight spends her days working as a Public Health Coordinator for the Shelby County Health Department, she also has a strong interest in the beauty industry. Ashton spent her teenage…
Texas Entrepreneur Sheds Light On His Future
Gaylen Fincher is an entrepreneur from Texarkana, Texas. He has been around construction his whole life. His father and grandfather are carpenters, and he has watched them work since childhood. Gaylen started working with…
Capital Readiness: A Cornerstone To Small Business Sustainability And Growth
“Capital Readiness” is a catchphrase often used in today’s small business management and development world. But what does it mean, especially for small businesses? In essence, capital readiness refers to a business’s…
Small Talk with Communities Unlimited Episode 5
CU Area Director of Housing Audra Butler joins us again to talk about funding opportunities in rural communities. How-To’s, Pitfalls to avoid, common mistakes, and more…
CU Assists Louisiana Community With Water Project
Belmont is an unincorporated community in Sabine Parish, Louisiana. The small community is located at the junction of Highways 120 and 175. Belmont is located in the Western-most side of the state and . Locals enjoy…
Winslow Receives First CU Pre-Development Loan In Arkansas
Winslow, Arkansas, is a city in southern Washington County. Located in the northwest part of Arkansas, the community was a stagecoach stop for many years. On December 11, 1876, the town received its first post office.…
Small Talk with Communities Unlimited Episode 4
Communities Unlimited Area Director of Housing, Audra Butler, joins us to talk about the uniqueness that is rural housing.
Insights For The Would-Be Entrepreneur
Choosing to start a small business venture can be a rewarding endeavor, offering a path to creating wealth, personal satisfaction, and a legacy for the next generation of the family. However, it’s also a journey…
Small Talk with Communities Unlimited Episode 3
Small Talk with Communities Unlimited is the podcast to empower rural communities. In Episode 3 of our Broadband series, Area Director of Broadband Catherine Krantz discusses Broadband funding by giving some…
“Food Farmacy” launches in Jefferson County, AR
This story was originally published by ENGAGE Magazine, a publication of Arkansas Community Foundation.
Republished here with their consent.
Small Talk with Communities Unlimited Episode 2
Catherine Krantz, Area Director of Broadband at Communities Unlimited, joins us again to speak to rural communities about preparing for broadband and what you need to know. Also, swiss cheese.
South Texas Water Supply Gets Loan To Prepare For Future
Military Highway Water Supply (MHWSC) is in southeastern Hidalgo County, TX. La Feria borders it to the west by Weslaco and to the east in Cameron County. Situated between the towns of Mercedes and Progreso, the water supply…
Small Talk with Communities Unlimited Episode 1
Small Talk with Communities Unlimited is the podcast to empower rural communities. In episode 1, of a 3-episode series, we talk with Catherine Krantz. Catherine is the Area Director of Broadband at CU and,…
Boutique Offers Big City Vibes With A Touch Of Twang
Bethany Powell lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and attended college at Arkansas State University (ASU). From an early age, Bethany knew she wanted to own a business. She has always had a business mindset and has created goals…
Small Business Makes Cups Runneth Over In Arkansas Town
You’ve heard the saying, “But first, coffee.” For Ashtyn Leinbach, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, that phrase will take on a whole new meaning. Ashtyn owns Perisseia Coffeehouse, LLC, and will soon start…
Healthy Produce Produces Great Results In Arkansas Town
Booneville, Arkansas, is located in Logan County and is settled between the Arkansas River Valley and the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains. The city has a population of around 3,990 and is one of the oldest cities in western…
Memphis Research Center Focuses On Future
Tani Williams owns Blink Research Center LLC., a clinical research facility focusing on eye treatments for minorities by providing innovative and optimal solutions through clinical trials in the field of ophthalmology. Blink…
JAB Trucking Gets Back On The Road
JAB Trucking and Logistics, LLC. is owned by Jarvis and Eboni Battles. The company is located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and strives to be a leader in the transportation industry by providing quality, safe, and on-time…
A Small Village Gets Big Help
The Village of Creola is an incorporated village in Grant Parish, Louisiana. It is located along the southern border of Grant parish. The Town of Creola has a population of 213 and was incorporated in 2022. The village…
Oklahoma Public Works Authority Receives Loan For Improvements
The small town of Boynton, Oklahoma, is about 17 miles from Muskogee, Oklahoma. The town was built in 1903 and named after E.L. Boynton, chief engineer of the Missouri Coal and Railroad Company. Through the years, Boynton…
Arkansas Small Business Builds Success One Piece At A Time
Matt Smith owns Machinewerx CNC in Hartford, Arkansas. Machinewerx CNC is a precision machine shop that manufactures fabricated metal products and specializes in CNC Lathe and Mill Machining. Matt came to Communities…
CDFI Loan For Arkansas Entrepreneur
When searching for a small business loan to grow her restaurant, Sforenia Robinson was referred to Communities Unlimited (CU) for a Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Loan. As it turns out, that was just…
From Hand-Dug Wells To Providing Water To Others
The D Bar B Water Supply Corporation (WSC) has a long history of Communities Unlimited (CU) assistance from an original Texas Attorney General (AG) referral and enforcement that caused the prior owner of the water and…
Oklahoma Town Gets Funding For Leaking Standpipe
In north-central Nowata County, Lenapah serves about 323 people in less than a square mile. Lenapah is primarily an agricultural community. The Cherokee Nation referred Lenapah to Communities Unlimited (CU) for funding…
Arkansas CDFI Coalition
The following is a guest post from Deborah Temple with the Arkansas CDFI Coalition: The Arkansas CDFI Coalition is a group of CDFIs and partner organizations working together to promote economic revitalization and community…
T.L.L. Temple and Communities Unlimited partner for East Texas
Communities Unlimited (CU) and the T.L.L. Temple Foundation are bolstering civic infrastructure across rural East Texas. Supported by a five-year $3.1 million grant from the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, the two entities…
Union Grove Water System Undergoes a Major Cleaning
If you find yourself traveling down US Highway 371 in South Webster Parish in Northwest Louisiana, you may stumble upon a small community with a rich history of cypress trees, sawmills, and railroads. According to…
A LEAP OF FAITH TAKES A MEMPHIS ENTREPRENEUR ON A GLORIOUS JOURNEY
Kristen Porter wanted to have her clothing line be an expression of her faith. Her personal journey woven into the fabric messages means more to her than just a saying. Kristen lives in Memphis Tennessee, where she runs and…
TEXAS FAMILY RECEIVES RUNNING WATER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES
Eyeka Davis from Madisonville, Texas knows all too well about the daily struggles to provide for her family. Her primary focus as a mother is to keep her family safe and healthy. She dedicates her life to taking care of her…
CU Comes to the Rescue as Old West Mobile Home Park Faces Hurdles
Old West Mobile Home Park is a small mobile home park community and water system that is located off McCormick Road on Interstate Highway 27, in Randall County, near the city of Amarillo, Texas. Old West Mobile Home Park…
A Cross-Border Friendship Grows Into Sweet Business Consulting in Brownsville, Texas
According to wbur.org, research has shown that immigrants are 80% more likely to start a business than people that are born in the U.S. However, immigration is a complicated process to go through. Maintaining a successful…
Where Are They Now: Paula Anderson Coaching and Consulting
This month marks the one year anniversary of Paula Anderson receiving a small business loan from Communities Unlimited for her coaching and consulting business. Through Paula Anderson Coaching and Consulting, Paula provides…
Old Union Water Association Secures Funding For New Generator
Shannon is a small town in Lee County, Mississippi, with a population of 1,753. According to Wikipedia.org, the town is on Mississippi Highway 145, west of U.S. Route 45. The town got its name from Samuel Shannon, who…
CU Assists Tennessee with a Major Well Project
Hidden Valley Lakes Corporation is a camping and RV resort on 1,100 wooden acres in central Tennessee. The corporation is about 20 miles from Loretta Lynn’s Ranch and 10 miles from Grinders Switch (Minnie Pearl’s Home Town),…
Mulberry, AR Participates In Rewarding Program
Mulberry, Arkansas, is in the Arkansas River Valley. The city settled around the time of the Louisiana Purchase. The town got its name from early settlers because of the large mulberry trees lining the riverbanks. According…
Nacogdoches, TX Restaurant Owner Receives Loan to Open New Restaurant
Old Tyler Road Café LLC is located in Nacogdoches, Texas, and is the home of delicious foods and great music. According to the owner Barrion Johnson, it is also a place to celebrate with family and friends. Many restaurants…
Cleaning Up
William Traylor is the founder and owner of 3-i Pressure Washing and Detail LLC., a full-service mobile detail and pressure washing company that services consumers and businesses in Central Arkansas. Although William has…
RCAP Conference 2022: My First RCAP Conference
After attending the Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) Conference in Columbus, Ohio, I am going to say that the whole week and the experience(s) I went through were excellent. I started Communities Unlimited (CU) in…
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. Her 17-year background as a public-school music teacher gained her the recognition of being a dedicated, results-orientated, passionate teacher and…
Communities Unlimited Works with Cargill to Assist Black Farmers
Communities Unlimited received a grant from Cargill’s Black Farmer’s Initiative to purchase trailers for growers in three states to increase their farm’s capacity. Cargill’s goal is to build a more equitable economy. They…
South Delaware County Regional Water Authority
Originally, named Flint Ridge Rural Water District (FRRWD), South Delaware County Regional Water Authority (SDCRWA) is in Kansas, Oklahoma, and began on May 19, 2017. The system’s goal is to provide safe, clean, water to all…
PFAS: The Forever Chemical Problem
PFAS or per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances are a class of thousands of human-made chemicals that have been dubbed “forever chemicals.” Most PFAS do not breakdown in the environment, and their production, use and…
A Tour of Possibilites
A Tour of Possibilities, a client of Communities Unlimited’s Entrepreneurship Department, recently received a grant from Memphis Local Initiatives Support Corporation.
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East Texas Municipal Utility District (MUD) Obtains New Equipment
Tyler is in Northeast, Texas and is the largest city in Smith County. The city has a population of around 106,000 people (about the seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum). Tyler gets its name from John Tyler,…
A.K. Williams Construction, LLC
Austin Williams is a native Louisianan, from Dry Prong, LA., who has been in the construction industry for 10 years. In 2017, he formed A.K. Williams Construction to become an independent contractor so that he could control…
Chef Yates Catering and More
Chef Christopher Yates is no stranger to the world of food. After graduating from culinary school, he has spent the last eight years preparing meals for some of Memphis, Tennessee’s finest establishments. In 2018, he decided…
Full Lock Drift, LLC. – A Hobby Becomes a Lifestyle
Michael Mansfield from Edmond, Oklahoma started participating in full lock drift events in 2016, in between his full-time employment as an Air Force Officer. The sport, labeled “racing,” is a judged event where one person…
United Water System Inc.
Arnaudville, LA., borders the towns of St. Landry and St. Martin just north of Lafayette, which locals may say “In the belly of Acadiana”. The town got its name from the Brothers Arnaud, who donated a large amount of land to…
Trinity Truck Driving School
Wilmon and Carlissa Edwards started the vision of Trinity Truck Driving School in 2021. Trinity Truck Driving School is a startup truck driving school located in Lake Village, Arkansas. The school provides commercial truck…
Sandy Point Water System Receives Assistance in Paying Off Loans
Creston is a small community in the northern part of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. The town sits on the eastern bank of the Red River and has a population of 1,056. The residents of the rural community have relied on Sandy…
Egan Water Corporation Receives Funding To Replenish Emergency Reserve
Egan, Louisiana is a small town located about halfway between Lafayette and Lake Charles, Louisiana, along Interstate 10. The town is located near the Gulf of Mexico and is surrounded by farmland and pine forests. The Egan…
Orange, TX Prepares For Population Increase
Orangefield Water Supply Corporation Orange, Texas is located in Orange County, near the Texas and Louisiana border, in an area of Texas, known as the “Gateway to Texas”, due to it being the Lone Star State’s easternmost…
River Road Water Works Gets Needed Upgrades
The small town of Rayville is located in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The community is in the heart of northeastern, LA., and is known for its southern charm, hospitality, and exciting industry. The residents of this lively…
A Memphis Business Owner Expands
Christina McCarter, from Memphis Tennessee, believes that bringing people together in sustainable ways, while packing a flavorful punch is a great way to live. In fact, it is the motto behind her growing charcuterie delivery…
Stop & Read Books
Kendall Weir, from Marfa Texas, is one of the many people who lost their job during COVID-19. She started to wonder what was next and how she was going to move on. The Pandemic started forcing so many to work from home.…
Melosong Properties
**Update 8/2/22** Watch Vickie’s progress in a new video Vickie Woodard, the CEO of Melosong Properties, Inc., a real estate company in England, Arkansas is too familiar with the struggles that her hometown of…
Rural Water Systems Need Immediate Investment to Prepare for Future Disasters
This post was originally published [link to post] on Urban Wire, the blog of the Urban Institute. Rural Water Systems Need Immediate Investment to Prepare for Future Disasters By Corianne Payton Scally, Rebecca Marx and…
Cybersecurity for Rural Community Water and Wastewater Systems
Cybersecurity is not a new issue for utilities. It received the spotlight in 2021 when President Biden committed to strengthening our Nation’s cybersecurity, specifically by hardening our critical infrastructure. The…
Breaking The Cycle
Doshon and Latisha Johnson decided early on that being from the wrong side of the tracks would not stop them from fulfilling their dreams and helping others in the process. They were both born into generational poverty, and…
USDA Rural Development Announces Water and Wastewater Funding
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on October 12, 2021 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $307 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure for 270,000 people…
Bic’s Cajun Kitchen
Dwight Johnson, an entrepreneur from Crossett, Arkansas has always had a passion for preparing good food. As a young kid, he could be found experimenting in the kitchen. As he grew older and had a family of his own, he has…
Card My Yard – Fayetteville
When Amanda Khanga and her husband Melvin decided to attend an event with family and friends to honor Veteran’s Day, she had no idea just how much being there would change her life. Amanda said that she has always believed…
Zapata County Texas
Zapata County Texas Communities Unlimited (CU), South Texas Coordinator Raul Gonzalez and Environmental Management Specialist Cesario Vela and Environmental Services Area Director, Harold Hunter have worked with Zapata…
Roundtable Discussion on America’s Unbanked and Underbanked
Opening Statement by Ines Polonius, Chief Executive Officer of Communities Unlimited, Inc. To U.S. House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth For Roundtable Discussion on America’s Unbanked and…
Financing Rural America – National Press Foundation
Biden Admin. Pumps $1.25 billion into Rural LendingBy Sydney Clark, National Press FoundationBiden Admin. Pumps $1.25 Billion into Rural Lending. Community development financial institution experts say CDFIs can help…
Kenesha Lewis's life motto,…
Extending Sewer Service to over 30 Households in Magnolia Mississippi, Population 2,000
With an RCD grant, Communities Unlimited, Inc. provided technical assistance to help the City of Magnolia, Mississippi, extend sewer service to the North Street area that the city annexed. About 34 households were connected…
Part-Time Gamers Grabs Golden Opportunity Thanks to Reboot Loan
“All failure is failure to adapt, all success is successful adaptation.” Those are the words of author and business strategist Max McKeown, and those words have never been more true than during a pandemic. The COVID-19…
Airport City Executive Center & Catering
Moving an existing business and starting a new business venture can be difficult tasks on their own. Doing both at the same time can be even more difficult. Doing both during a worldwide pandemic can present a myriad of…
Find the Perfect Balance
While many businesses struggled to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, one Arkansas business actually saw an increase in clients. But that increase, and the pandemic, led to a different set of problems for the business. Heather…
Cybersecurity…
INVESTING IN ENTREPRENEURS OF COLOR: A PLAYBOOK FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS
Communities Unlimited (CU) is a non-profit and CDFI that works to unwind generations of inequity and disinvestment in the rural south. CU primarily serves communities of color in the rural regions of Alabama, Arkansas,…
The Origin of Tenkiller Utility Authority
In 2003, an idea began to take shape to bring safe drinking water to residents near one of Oklahoma’s most popular recreational lakes. The idea was met with initial enthusiasm by dozens of water systems, but as the…
We Are The Boot Guys
It’s always a challenge to start a small business, and even more so when you have little to no experience. When William El-Amin and Jakeveeus Davis decided to take an idea and turn it into a business, they faced an uphill…
Finding The Perfect Balance
While many businesses are struggling to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, one Arkansas business saw an increase in clients. But that increase, and the pandemic, led to a different set of problems for the business. Heather…
Prepare for the Worst and Hope for the Best while Remaining Vigilant
Prepare for the Worst and Hope for the Best while Remaining Vigilant
Urgent & Primary Care Clinic of Clarksdale
Dr. Mary Williams has lived in Clarksdale, Mississippi, her entire life. She worked at
Small Business Loan Helps Brew Success at Cxffeeblack
New ideas are brewing at Cxffeeblack.
Dermott Challenged in Quest for Community Sustainability
DERMOTT, AR — Dermott, Arkansas, had a lot of potential, with good job sources nearby, a large younger population and the desire to improve. But it also had several issues that were subverting its growth potential, and city…
Sardis Provides Cascade of Products for CU
SARDIS, MS — Sardis is a town with big hearts and a strong sense of community. But like many rural towns, it has struggled in the last few years to maintain its population. The town has lost about 20 percent of its residents…
Bogata Enlist Aid From CU on Many Issues
BOGATA, TX – Often, the work Communities Unlimited…
Travelers along Route 66…
Brazilian Baker’s Dream Becomes Doce Vida
ALEXANDRIA, LA — Several years ago, Neila Craig went to her husband Sean and told him that she wanted to stay home with the new child they were about to have. That meant their dual-income household would become a single…
Healthy Communities, Healthy Businesses, Healthy Families
Communities Unlimited, Inc., resides in the space of…
New Tech Aids Cherry Tree Rural Water District
New Tech Aids Cherry Tree Rural Water District
Farmers, With CU’s Assistance, Find New Clients
Farmers, With CU’s Assistance, Find New Clients By Brenda Williams MID-SOUTH DELTA — The biggest impact seen in the COVID-19 crisis has been to businesses and their employees, with 33 million left unemployed within 3 months…
Communities Unlimited Responds to COVID-19 Crisis – Side-by-Side with Small Businesses
Side-by-Side with Small Businesses The news has focused on the current impact of COVID-19, including closed schools and businesses. But areas working on community sustainability with Communities Unlimited are already…
A Place for Kids, a Path to Succeed
For Codney Washington, it’s all about giving back to his community. Codney is a native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, born and raised. He left after school to start working for Lockheed Martin. The work was rewarding but meant a…
Business Lessons Learned: Credit…
REBOOT LOAN REOPENS MEMPHIS SALON
Sisters African…
