Economic Development and Lending

The Economic Development and Lending department works with community leaders to secure grant funds primarily for industrial development as well as offer loans to small businesses seeking to expand and create jobs. Our Economic Development team, composed of lending professionals, small business development experts, and other knowledgeable staff, ensures we continue to provide top-notch support and services to the Upper Cumberland.

Programs and Services to Serve You

Eligible Projects

Expanding existing facilities, building purchase, adding equipment, building improvements, upgrading equipment for energy efficiency, starting a new business, and more

Fixed Rates

Offering competitive fixed rate loans for small businesses without industry specific requirements

Funding

Offering two sources of funding: Economic Development Association (EDA) and USDA Rural Development. Sources can be combined in some instances

Funding Eligibility

Applicants must be US citizens and unable to obtain traditional financing and personal investment is required

Two-Step Approval Process

Loan application and financial information is reviewed by a regional volunteer loan committee before being voted on by our board of directors

Empower UC

Focusing on removing barriers to entering the workforce and creating pathways for Empower families to follow through various challenges

Additional Support and Resources

Upper Cumberland Small Business Development Center

About Upper Cumberland SBDC

The Small Business Development Center at UCDD serves the 14-county Upper Cumberland region and provides small business start-up services including, but not limited to: business plan development, financial planning assistance, marketing plan development, sources of capital, and social media guidance.

Contact our team today to learn more:

Kelly Sullivan | Director of Small Business Development Center at UCDD 

P: 931-520-6081 | E: ksullivan@ucdd.org

Chadwick Mathis | Small Business Specialist

P: 931-520-6080 | E: cmathis@ucdd.org

Recovery2Work

About R2W

For those in recovery, success after treatment depends on a sense of belonging to their community. They need the community to understand that addiction is a physical dependency; not a moral failing. With employment, housing, and recovery support, the healing process can begin and the feeling of safety begins to grow.

Click here to learn more.

Business Loans

About Business Loans

We offer revolving loan funds and specialize in gap financing and partnering with traditional lenders to help support job creation as well as regional and economic prosperity in the Upper Cumberland.

Mindy Tramel | Loan Officer 

P: 931-520-9575 | E: mtramel@ucdd.org

Not sure where to start or curious about counseling services?

Click here to get started.

This region is rich in natural and human resources, a ‘can do’ attitude, and is just the right size for a business like ours. What CAIC has done for us can’t be described in a few words. They share our vision for a brighter future for everyone.

Eric Jackson, Jackson Kayak

Triple C Machine owes a lot of our success to CAIC. They have been great to work with. When I first started, the business grew way faster than I even thought and, without CAIC, there’s no way we could be as big as we are today…

Jason Cantrell, Triple C Machine

Proudly serving Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland since 1984

Cannon – Clay – Cumberland – DeKalb – Fentress – Jackson – Macon – Overton – Pickett – Putnam – Smith – Van Buren – Warren – White

UCDD and its programs are equal opportunity providers, employers, and lenders.