Small Business Financing Guide for Harrison County, Mississippi

What Is Small Business Financing?

Documents You Will Typically Need

Local Lenders, CDFIs, Credit Unions, and SBA Resources That Serve Harrison County

This is the most important section. These are organizations that actually serve the Gulf Coast and Harrison County. Origen Capital is a directory — always verify current programs and contact information directly with each organization. --- **Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)** • **Hope Credit Union (HOPE)** — Based in Jackson with Gulf Coast presence, HOPE is one of the most active CDFIs in Mississippi. They offer small business loans, lines of credit, and are known for working with borrowers who have limited credit history, low incomes, or have been turned down by traditional banks. They are ITIN-friendly. Website: hopecu.org • **Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Development Corporation** — A local nonprofit that provides technical assistance and connects small businesses to capital sources, including microloan programs. They serve Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson counties. • **Ascendus (formerly Accion East)** — A national CDFI with reach into Mississippi. They specialize in microloans up to $100,000 for underserved entrepreneurs, including ITIN borrowers and immigrants. Website: ascendus.org --- **SBA District Office** • **SBA Mississippi District Office** — Located in Jackson, MS, this office oversees SBA lending programs across the entire state, including Harrison County. They can refer you to SBA-approved lenders on the Gulf Coast and connect you with free counseling through SCORE and SBDCs. Phone: (601) 965-4378 | Website: sba.gov/offices/district/ms/jackson • **Mississippi Small Business Development Center (MS-SBDC) at Gulf Coast** — Housed at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) in Perkinston/Gulfport area, SBDC counselors provide free, confidential business advising, help you build a business plan, and can walk you through loan applications at no cost. This is one of the best free resources available to Harrison County business owners. --- **Local and Regional Banks with Small Business Lending** • **Peoples Bank of Mississippi** — A Mississippi-based community bank with Gulf Coast branches. They offer SBA 7(a) loans and traditional small business loans and tend to have more flexibility than national banks. • **BancorpSouth (now Cadence Bank)** — Has a presence in Gulfport and Biloxi. Offers SBA loan products. Worth a conversation if you have at least a year in business. • **Hancock Whitney Bank** — Headquartered in Gulfport, this is one of the largest Gulf Coast banks. They have a small business banking division and participate in SBA lending programs. If you have an established business and solid financials, they are worth approaching. --- **Credit Unions** • **Keesler Federal Credit Union** — One of the largest credit unions in Mississippi, headquartered in Biloxi. They serve the general public (not just military) and offer small business loans and checking accounts. Credit unions typically offer lower interest rates than banks and are more flexible with members who have imperfect credit. • **Mississippi Federal Credit Union** — Serves select employer groups and communities in Mississippi. Check eligibility; credit unions often have broader membership than people realize. --- **State Programs** • **Mississippi Development Authority (MDA)** — The state's economic development agency. They administer loan programs, small business grants, and disaster recovery financing. Their Small Business Assistance programs have supported Gulf Coast businesses since Katrina. Website: mississippi.org • **Renew Mississippi / Gulf Coast Renaissance Corporation** — A state-supported initiative focused on Gulf Coast economic recovery and small business support, particularly for businesses affected by disasters or operating in underserved areas.