Summer at Thrive: Real Stories. Real Impact. Real Opportunity
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Thrive Community Lending Update
Summer 2026
FROM A FRESH START TO A NEW BUSINESS - BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN A DREAM AND A BUSINESS - TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP - BUSINESS BOOST IS BACK - SAVE THE DATE: MAXIMIZING GLOBAL TALENT - THANK YOU, WELLS FARGO - ADVOCATING FOR ACCESS TO CAPITAL - HELP AN ENTREPRENEUR THRIVE
As summer winds down and we look toward fall, there’s a lot happening at Thrive Community Lending!
From helping entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into reality to expanding access to affordable capital, providing practical training and launching new resources, we’re continuing to invest in small business owners—and the communities they call home.
Here’s a look at what’s happening at Thrive.
FROM A FRESH START TO A NEW BUSINESS
In Guatemala, Juan Carlos and his wife, Karla, built a successful business creating customized luxury hats for fashion events. But as their business grew, so did threats of extortion and persecution, eventually forcing them to leave behind the life and business they had built.
After safely resettling in the United States through the U.S. refugee program, Juan Carlos and Karla are beginning again—and bringing their entrepreneurial experience with them.
The couple is now relaunching their business, Numa Hats, in the Atlanta area, and Thrive is proud to be part of their journey.
Through Thrive, Juan Carlos and Karla received the initial capital they needed to build inventory and strengthen their marketing and sales efforts. They were also connected with Thrive volunteer business coach Dave Adelman, who is providing guidance as they navigate a new business environment.
Like so many Thrive borrowers, Juan Carlos and Karla already have the drive, experience and vision to succeed. Sometimes, what’s missing is simply access to capital, credit-building opportunities and a trusted partner to help take that next step.
We can’t wait to see where their journey takes them—and we look forward to sharing more of their story!
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN A DREAM AND A BUSINESS
Entrepreneurship is a powerful pathway toward economic opportunity, but accessing the capital needed to start or grow a business remains a major challenge for many immigrant entrepreneurs.
A recent survey found that Georgia is home to approximately 124,000 immigrant-owned businesses, yet 42% of immigrant entrepreneurs surveyed did not know how or where to secure business financing.
That’s where Thrive Community Lending comes in.
Thrive provides affordable loans and personalized support to refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs working to build stronger financial futures through small business ownership. Since Thrive began, we’ve supported 41 small businesses and invested nearly $500,000 into local communities.
Each loan represents more than capital. It represents an entrepreneur taking another step toward turning an idea, skill or dream into a sustainable business.
TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP
Have a business idea but need a little help getting it off the ground? Thrive has launched a new lending option designed specifically for entrepreneurs in the early stages of starting a business.
Our new First Step Loan provides $3,000–$4,000 in start-up capital at 6.5% interest with a two-year term.
Funds can help cover early expenses such as obtaining a business license, completing required business training and other costs associated with getting a new venture started.
Ready to take your first step? Contact thriveinfo@weinspirit.org to learn more or apply.
BUSINESS BOOST IS BACK!
Our virtual Business Boost series continues to equip entrepreneurs with practical information and tools they can put to work in their businesses.
Following our May session exploring AI tools for small business owners, our next Business Boost will tackle another important topic:
Tax Preparation & Financial Tips for Small Businesses
Tuesday, August 18 | 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET | Virtual
A tax professional will share practical guidance to help small business owners better understand tax preparation and financial management. Business Boost sessions are interactive, and participants will also have opportunities to win gift cards!
Interested in joining us? Contact thriveinfo@weinspirit.org for more information and the link to participate.
SAVE THE DATE: MAXIMIZING GLOBAL TALENT
Thrive Community Lending is proud to support and help plan the BIG Partnership’s upcoming Maximizing Global Talent event—and you’re invited!
Join us on the morning of October 9 in Decatur, Georgia, for breakfast and an engaging panel discussion exploring how current policies are affecting immigrants and refugees, as well as the important contributions they make to our economy and communities.
More details, including event time and registration information, are coming soon. For now, save the date and stay tuned!
THANK YOU, WELLS FARGO!
We’re grateful to Wells Fargo for recently awarding Thrive Community Lending a $50,000 grant to support lending capital and technical assistance.
This investment will help provide small business owners with both the financial resources and guidance they need to move their businesses forward.
Thank you, Wells Fargo, for investing in entrepreneurs and helping create opportunities for small businesses to thrive!
ADVOCATING FOR ACCESS TO CAPITAL
Access to affordable financing is essential for entrepreneurs working to start and grow successful businesses. Recent changes to U.S. Small Business Administration eligibility requirements, however, have limited access to SBA-backed financing for some immigrant entrepreneurs.
Since new SBA rules took effect in June, SBA lending has reportedly declined by 30%, resulting in approximately 24,000 fewer loans to small businesses.
Thrive believes all entrepreneurs should have a fair opportunity to access the capital they need to build successful businesses and contribute to their communities.
The recently introduced Investing in the American Dream Act seeks to expand access to SBA-backed loans for certain legally present immigrants who are currently excluded under SBA eligibility requirements.
We encourage you to learn more about these changes and, if you choose, contact your U.S. Senators to share your perspective on the legislation.
HELP AN ENTREPRENEUR THRIVE
You don’t have to own a business to make a difference for a small business owner.
Become a volunteer business coach. If you have business expertise or coaching experience, consider sharing it with a Thrive entrepreneur. Coaches can be paired with an entrepreneur for ongoing support or provide one-time guidance based on a specific area of expertise. Contact david.redd@weinspirit.org to get started.
Donate a $25 Walmart gift card. Gift cards help us encourage participation and engagement in Thrive’s basic business classes and Business Boost events. Please consider donating a $25 Walmart gift card to support these programs by clicking the button below.
You can also contact us thriveinfo@weinspirit.org with any questions about donating.
Whether you lend your expertise, support our programs or simply help spread the word, you can play a part in helping entrepreneurs build businesses, create opportunity and strengthen their communities.
Thank you for being part of the Thrive Community Lending family.
Warmly,
John Arnold
Executive Director
Thrive Community Lending
