About this programme
HOPE (Hope Enterprise Corporation / Hope Credit Union) is a federally insured credit union that began as a commercial loan fund and now serves entrepreneurs and nonprofits across the Deep South, including Mississippi. HOPE offers business loans with the stated aim of competitive rates, flexible repayment terms and generous loan amounts to help businesses reach their goals.
HOPE explicitly focuses on Black-owned and women-owned businesses, viable companies that create jobs, and organizations serving economically distressed and rural areas of the Deep South.
How it works
Small business loans go up to $250,000; loans above that amount are treated as commercial loans. Loan proceeds can be used for capital needs such as furniture, equipment, vehicles, inventory and other business needs. Terms and rates are described as flexible and competitive, though specific rates are not published and require contacting HOPE directly.
Who can apply
HOPE serves Black-owned and women-owned businesses, along with other viable companies that create jobs, particularly organizations serving economically distressed and rural areas of the Deep South.
How to apply
- Apply online for a commercial loan (loans above $250,000) through HOPE's commercial loan portal.
- Visit one of HOPE's 23 branch locations across the Deep South.
- Call 1-877-214-HOPE (4673) to speak with a lender.
- Alternatively, use the online contact form on the Business Loans page, or reach one of HOPE's six regional lenders directly.
Frequently asked
How much can I borrow?
Small business loans go up to $250,000. Anything above that is treated as a commercial loan.
Who does HOPE prioritize?
HOPE focuses on Black-owned and women-owned businesses, and on viable, job-creating companies serving economically distressed and rural areas of the Deep South.
How do I apply?
You can apply online (for commercial loans), visit one of HOPE's 23 branches across the Deep South, or call 1-877-214-HOPE (4673).
Is HOPE a bank?
No, HOPE is a federally insured credit union (routing number 065382514) that started as a commercial loan fund.
More funding in Mississippi
Capital Access Contract Loan Program
Mississippi Development Authority · Mississippi
Loan support for small or disadvantaged Mississippi businesses that hold a public-entity contract but struggle to get conventional financing.
InvestMS
Innovate Mississippi (State Small Business Credit Initiative) · Mississippi
Equity investment for Mississippi pre-seed to Series A startups, funded through an $86 million federal SSBCI allocation.
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Loan Program
Mississippi Development Authority · Mississippi
Loans up to $250,000, or half of project cost, for minority- and women-owned Mississippi businesses.
Minority Business Micro Loan Program
Mississippi Development Authority · Mississippi
Loans up to $35,000 for minority- and women-owned Mississippi businesses to buy inventory, equipment or fund working capital.
Minority Surety Bond Guaranty Program
Mississippi Development Authority · Mississippi
Bond guarantees and technical assistance to help disadvantaged Mississippi minority businesses win construction and building-trade contracts.
Mississippi Angel Network
Innovate Mississippi · Mississippi
Connects Mississippi startups seeking $250,000 to $800,000 with a vetted network of accredited angel investors.
All 10 programmes in Mississippi →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.