For entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations in economically underserved communities, access to affordable capital can make the difference between simply surviving and having the resources needed to grow. HOPE is working to close that gap by providing financial services, business lending and other resources designed to strengthen communities across the Deep South.
HOPE—comprised of Hope Enterprise Corporation, Hope Credit Union and Hope Policy Institute—has been serving under-resourced communities since 1994. Its work has benefited more than three million people in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee while influencing billions of dollars in investment in persistently impoverished communities nationwide.
A central part of that mission is business lending. HOPE provides financing to entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations and other community-based enterprises that need capital to start, stabilize or expand their operations. The organization says its lending is focused on viable businesses that create jobs, strengthen communities and address infrastructure needs, particularly in economically distressed and rural areas of the Deep South.
Supporting Entrepreneurs Who Have Historically Faced Barriers
HOPE’s lending model places particular emphasis on businesses owned or led by women and people of color. According to the fact sheet, 71% of HOPE’s commercial loans are associated with businesses owned or led by women or people of color, compared with 29% categorized as other businesses.
The organization’s broader membership also reflects the communities it serves. HOPE reports that eight out of 10 members are people of color, nearly three-fifths are women, and half live in households earning less than $50,000 annually. In addition, 47% of members were previously unbanked or heavily dependent on predatory financial services.
These figures underscore HOPE’s emphasis on expanding access to mainstream financial services for individuals and businesses that may have historically encountered obstacles to obtaining affordable financing.
Financing Designed for Business Growth
HOPE offers two primary levels of business financing. Small Business Lending is available for loans of up to $250,000, while Commercial Lending is available for loans greater than $250,000.
The lending programs cover a wide range of business needs. Small-business products include real estate, vehicle and equipment loans, as well as share-secured and unsecured loans for business purposes. Commercial products include lines of credit, secured commercial and industrial equipment term loans, commercial mortgages and construction loans.
Business owners can seek financing for acquisition, renovation and expansion; commercial real estate purchases, construction, improvements and refinancing; furniture, fixtures and equipment; commercial vehicles; inventory; and working capital.
Creating Jobs and Quality Employment
HOPE’s impact extends beyond individual borrowers. Its financing and related services have supported more than 35,000 jobs and benefited more than 2.7 million individuals across the region.
The fact sheet also promotes a “How to Access HOPE’s Financial Services” presentation featuring Felicia A. Lyles, Senior Vice President of Retail Operations, and Jeremy Funchess, Vice President and Regional Business Sales Manager. The presentation is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
The fact sheet also highlights the quality of employment supported by HOPE financing. Two out of three jobs supported by HOPE financing pay living wages and/or provide health insurance, with the accompanying graphic showing 66% classified as high-quality jobs and 34% as other.
For business owners looking for capital, HOPE’s experienced business lending team can help identify financing options and assist with the application process. The organization encourages entrepreneurs and nonprofits—including Black- and women-owned businesses—to explore tailored lending solutions.
HOPE also offers checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, IRAs, share certificates, personal and auto loans, home loans, digital and telephone banking, debit and credit cards, and financial education and counseling.
For more information, HOPE directs prospective borrowers to its business lending services at hopecu.org/businessloans or its toll-free number, 1-866-321-HOPE (4673).
HOPE’s message is straightforward: affordable, flexible access to capital can help entrepreneurs build stronger businesses, create quality jobs and contribute to stronger communities.
