EXPANDING ECONOMIC CAPACITY FOR ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESSES BY PROVIDING ACCESS TO CAPITAL

SMALL BUSINESS LENDING

What We Do

We expand economic opportunities for underserved people and communities by providing access to the capital they need to prosper.  Communities Unlimited makes loans to small businesses to position them for profitable growth leading to new jobs and local economic development.

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“When you don’t have the money, you’re just grateful for an organization like Communities Unlimited to come through to move the needle."

— Vickie Woodard, Owner, Melosong Properties, Inc.

Vickie Woodard

Our Team

Area Director of Lending

Debra Williams
Economic Development Loan Officer

Chris Tillman
Small Business Lender

Candence Brooks

Area Director of Lending

Debra Williams

Debra Williams, Area Director of Lending, 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 Communities Unlimited 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

Chris Tillman

Chris Tillman joined Communities Unlimited (CU) in October 2021 as an Economic Development Loan Officer Small Business Development Lender.

He has an Associate of Arts in Business Administration from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. Chris has several years of experience in the loan, financial, and lending business.

Phone:(479) 380-5655

Small Business Lender

Candence Brooks

Candence Brooks started Communities Unlimited (CU) in September 2023 as an Economic Development Loan Officer (Small Business Development Lender). 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 the University of Jonesboro. Candence lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Phone:(479) 595-5053

Contact Us

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Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the backbone of our country, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fueling economic growth in communities across the nation. They account for a significant majority of new job creation, offering employment opportunities that support families and strengthen local economies. Small businesses bring business diversity and resilience to the marketplace, adapting quickly to changing needs and fostering competition. Their success is critical to economic stability, as thriving small enterprises can uplift entire neighborhoods and serve as engines for upward mobility.

We’re here to help entrepreneurs like you access the capital you need to grow and succeed. At Communities Unlimited, we provide flexible lending solutions designed to support small business owners on their journey to profitability and impact.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, our loans from $1,000 to $200,000 can bridge the financing gap and fuel your next stage of growth. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with our expert Entrepreneurship Team to ensure your business is ready for funding while developing skills to help grow your entrepreneurial skills.

As a U.S. Treasury-certified CDFI since 2001, we’re committed to helping you create jobs, build wealth, and drive local economic development.

Uses

  • Working capital
  • Equipment purchase
  • Contract fulfillment
  • Business acquisition
  • Inventory/Supply purchasing

Criteria

  • Loans for business purposes only
  • Businesses located in AL, AR, LA, MS, OK, TN, or TX
  • All loans underwritten in-house
  • Collateral is required
  • Personal guaranty is required
  • Startups must have an alternative source of income
  • Automatic draft for monthly payments required

Special Conditions

  • Completed application
  • Personal financial statement
  • Two years personal tax documents for business owner(s)
  • Financial Projections for business may be required

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.