Small businesses are the backbone of the economy in North Alabama, and many of them need access to capital to grow and thrive.
That’s why the Regions Foundation has stepped in with a major investment—contributing a $150,000 grant to the NCI Loan Fund, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) operated by Huntsville-based nonprofit Neighborhood Concepts, Inc. This funding will help entrepreneurs in Huntsville and surrounding communities secure the resources they need to succeed.
We are thankful for our longtime community partnership with both the Regions Foundation and Regions Bank. Mary Ellen Judah, CEO and Executive Director for Neighborhood Concepts
Neighborhood Concepts has been strengthening neighborhoods since 2013 through affordable housing and economic development. Its NCI Loan Fund, certified as a CDFI in 2015, provides loans and technical assistance to small businesses across northern Alabama. So far, the Loan Fund has supported 220 businesses and deployed nearly $17 million in capital. This year alone, 25 businesses have received loans—businesses like:
Beyond Trash LLC (Huntsville) – A commercial waste management company co-owned by Nelson McCloud.
Brown Books & More LLC (Decatur) – A bookstore inspiring Black and Brown children to read, founded by Janelle and Jamie Brown.
Honey I’m Combed (New Market) – A mobile dog grooming service founded by Miranda Honeycutt.
Soar Gymnastics LLC (Huntsville) – A gymnastics training center for kids and teens, founded by Jennifer and Steven Douglas.
Summit Health Services Inc. (Huntsville) – An ABA therapy center supporting individuals with autism, founded by Jessica Swanson.
The Golf Lab LLC (Huntsville) – A golf simulation facility created by Jasson and Kerry Garner.
“Huntsville and North Alabama are witnessing incredible growth, and the Regions Foundation recognizes the importance of keeping the small-business ecosystem healthy and strong as more people come to the area and discover our incredible quality of life,” said Mary Ellen Judah, CEO and Executive Director for Neighborhood Concepts. “This new funding from the Regions Foundation will directly translate into more small-business support, empowering local entrepreneurs who have great companies that contribute to our strong economy. We are thankful for our longtime community partnership with both the Regions Foundation and Regions Bank.”
The Regions Foundation’s latest grant builds on previous support, including $50,000 in 2020 to help businesses recover from the pandemic. “When I looked at the success stories from past funding, I knew this was the right investment,” said Marta Mendes-Miguel Self, Executive Director of the Regions Foundation. “These businesses aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving.”
About Regions Foundation
The Alabama-based Region Foundation supports community investments that positively impact communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank. To learn more about the Regions Foundation visit www.regions.com/foundation.