Expanding economic opportunities for underserved people and communities by providing access to the capital needed to prosper

LENDING

Communities Unlimited is a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).We expand economic opportunities for underserved people and communities by providing access to the capital they need to prosper. We offer a variety of lending opportunities for small businesses, water/wastewater needs, and housing.

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.

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Small Business Loans

Loan Applications

Loan Information Flyers

Microloans are designed for women, low-income, veteran and minority entrepreneurs in need of small amounts of financial assistance.
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We make loans to small businesses to position them for profitable growth leading to new jobs and economic development.  See more about our small business loans

LENDING STORIES

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.

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Rural Community Resources

  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)
  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.)

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

Nuestra Casa

Small dollar loans to people in the Colonias for home improvement projects

Lending Team


In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Submit a complaint of discrimination, by mail to U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity , 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220, (202) 622-1160 (phone), (202) 622-0367 (fax), or email crcomplaints@treasury.gov (email).

Reasonable Modifications for Individuals with Disabilities

Reasonable modifications may be requested by emailing info@communitiesu.org or calling (479) 443-2700, or persons with speech or hearing impairment may call toll-free 1-800-877-0996 for service in English and Spanish.