Communities Unlimited (CU), a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has extended its lending program to businesses in the Black Belt who need financing.
The Small Business Lending Program provides "flexible" loans of $1,000 up to $200,000 to help entrepreneurs invest in their startups.
Loans can be used in purchasing equipment, covering operating expenses, fulfilling new contracts, expanding operations, and stocking inventory.
A press release from CU said that its ERC fellow, Sherrie Campbell, met with local leaders and that communities across Perry, Marengo, Choctaw, Dallas, and Greene counties began connecting with CU’s Entrepreneurship Team for training and early technical assistance.
Since it was formally launched, CU has received an estimated 18 referrals across the region 10 entrepreneurs now working with the team.
Two entrepreneurship workshops were in Perry County, with one being focused on financial literacy and the other on starting a small business.
Among the most active partnerships is in Marion, noted the press release. Local leader Donald Bennett, who serves as president of Main Street Marion, has helped connect residents with CU resources.
“In a small community, every piece is like part of a puzzle,” he said. “If you only focus on one area, something else will be missing. We’re trying to bring those pieces together and build on Marion’s rich history to turn the town into a tourist destination.”
Another partner in the Black Belt is a partnership with the family-owned sawmill Demopolis Hickory Mill in Marengo County.
“I thank God that somebody helped me get a jump start here,” said owner Don Lawrence.
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...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
...FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 10 AM CDT FRIDAY...
* WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, north winds 5 to 15 mph with gusts
up to 30 mph. For the Frost Advisory, temperatures as low as 36
will result in frost formation.
* WHERE...Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee,
Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Dallas, Etowah, Fayette, Greene,
Hale, Jefferson, Lamar, Lowndes, Marengo, Marion, Perry, Pickens,
Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa,
Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston Counties.
* WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, until 7 PM CDT this evening. For the
Frost Advisory, from 1 AM to 10 AM CDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Trees
could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Frost
could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants
may be killed if left uncovered.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
Secure outdoor objects.
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
&&
...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...
...FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 10 AM CDT FRIDAY...
* WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, north winds 5 to 15 mph with gusts
up to 30 mph. For the Frost Advisory, temperatures as low as 36
will result in frost formation.
* WHERE...Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee,
Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Dallas, Etowah, Fayette, Greene,
Hale, Jefferson, Lamar, Lowndes, Marengo, Marion, Perry, Pickens,
Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa,
Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston Counties.
* WHEN...For the Wind Advisory, until 7 PM CDT this evening. For the
Frost Advisory, from 1 AM to 10 AM CDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Trees
could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Frost
could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants
may be killed if left uncovered.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.
Secure outdoor objects.
Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.
&&
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