At just 21, Amanuel Abraham is steering his future forward with Abraham Trucking LLC in Nolensville, Tennessee. After purchasing his first truck and trailer in May 2025, he has been busy hauling dirt, gravel, sand, and construction waste for companies in the growing Nashville area.

“So far, I’m doing pretty good,” Abraham said. “I got the truck about three months ago. I’ve made big progress. I’ve been networking a lot and working non-stop, just trying to get to the level I want to be at.”

Abraham didn’t always envision himself in the trucking business. His journey started while working for a company delivering bagged ice, where he earned his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) through an in-house program.

“That was a huge blessing since CDL school can be expensive,” Abraham said.

His father, already in trucking, also influenced his decision.

“Seeing his work gave me more perspective,” Abraham said. “I started meeting people in the industry and just got influenced in a good way. I fell in love with trucks and saw the potential to make a good living.”

Abraham chose to leave school and commit to trucking full-time, focusing on saving money and learning the ins and outs of the industry. He developed a plan, working steadily to build his savings while gaining knowledge about construction and dump truck operations. He spoke with industry professionals, conducted research, and prepared himself for both the risks and rewards of starting his own business.

At just 21, Abraham quickly learned how difficult it can be for a young entrepreneur to secure financing. His limited credit history and lack of business revenue made traditional banks an obstacle. Although he had worked hard to repair his credit, those early missteps still followed him.

When he approached his bank, he was told he needed at least two years in business and proof of revenue — requirements he couldn’t meet as a startup. The banker advised him to explore Small Business Administration (SBA) resources and microloan programs, which led him to research alternative lenders. He narrowed it down to four or five options, but most turned him away because he didn’t meet their criteria.

Eventually, he discovered the Lending Team at Communities Unlimited (CU), one of the few lenders serving Tennessee that worked with startups like his. He applied and was soon connected with CU Economic Development Loan Officer Chris Tillman. From February to May, Abraham and Tillman worked closely together, compiling documents, refining his business plan, building a strong case, and preparing everything the CU loan committee needed.

After nearly a year of searching and applying for loans, Abraham finally found the right fit.

“Eventually Communities Unlimited approved me, and I found exactly what I wanted — an old-school truck with a strong motor in great condition,” he said. The approval marked a turning point, giving him the resources he needed to launch Abraham Trucking and start his journey as a business owner.

With the CU funding, Abraham purchased a 1995 Kenworth W900, a durable, well-maintained truck with a clean, customized interior and a reliable Caterpillar engine. It came with a dump trailer and a wetline kit — saving him thousands on installation — and provided a ready-to-go setup to launch his hauling business.

The financial support from CU, Abraham said, was life changing.

Looking ahead, Abraham has ambitious plans for Abraham Trucking. He hopes to pay off his truck, steadily increase profits, and eventually expand the fleet. He and his father already operate two trucks jointly — one in his name and one with his father — and he envisions building on that foundation to continue growing the business.

“Starting any business is a risk, but I’m a risk-taker,” he added. “I plan to grow slowly — adding trucks one at a time — until we build a strong fleet and good revenue. If the economy stays steady, I’d love to keep expanding and building this business for the long run.”

Abraham was quick to give CU credit for helping him get Abraham Trucking off the ground and officially on the road.

“Thank you to everyone at Communities Unlimited,” Abraham said. “You guys are the best.”