Communities Unlimited, an Arkansas-based rural development nonprofit, has begun expanding small business support across Alabama’s Black Belt, including Perry County.
The initiative formally launched Oct. 1 through a USDA Rural Business Development Grant. Since then, the organization has received about 18 referrals across Perry, Marengo, Choctaw, Dallas and Greene counties, with roughly 10 entrepreneurs now working with the team to develop their business ideas.
CU has hosted two entrepreneurship workshops in Perry County, one focused on financial literacy and the other on starting and growing a small business.
The organization provides training, technical assistance and help connecting entrepreneurs with financing.
In Marion, CU has partnered with Main Street Marion president Donald Bennett, who has helped connect residents with the program.
Bennett is also working with CU on his own venture, Vino Pizzeria, a planned downtown restaurant. Bennett also owns Bennett’s Bookshop and an Airbnb downtown.
In Marengo County, CU worked with Demopolis Hickory Mill, a family-owned sawmill operating since the late 1800s, to review finances, develop a turnaround strategy and secure a working capital loan.
The assistance came after the business faced declining sales following the pandemic. Since then, the mill has returned to profitability.
