CommunityWorks

This is a community-focused SBA lender offering small business loans, guidance, and support to help entrepreneurs grow and succeed with tailored financing options.

It's recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure dedicated time with a loan officer, but walk-ins may be accommodated depending on availability.

The bank operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with appointments available outside regular hours upon request.

There are no fees for simply visiting or consulting; fees apply only to specific loan processing and closing costs associated with funding.

This bank primarily serves small business owners and entrepreneurs within the Greenville region and surrounding areas.

A minimum personal credit score of 640 is typically required for loan eligibility.

The underwriting process generally takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the completeness of application materials and loan complexity.

Most banks keep weekday business hours and are closed on weekends, and CommunityWorks typically follows the same pattern. SBA lending staff are generally reachable Monday through Friday. A few locations offer Saturday or by-appointment hours, so call CommunityWorks to confirm current weekend availability before you go.

CommunityWorks is located in South Carolina — see the contact card for the full address. Most bank locations offer free on-site or nearby street parking for visitors. For exact directions, the entrance, and accessible parking, use the listed address or call ahead and staff can point you to visitor spaces.

This page is an independent directory listing for CommunityWorks, an SBA-participating bank. It is maintained by SBA Lenders USA to help borrowers compare lenders — not by CommunityWorks itself, which runs its own lending under its own ownership. If you work at CommunityWorks, you can claim this listing from this page to manage it.

The core details for CommunityWorks — name, location, contact, and lender type — are compiled from public records and reviewed periodically. Rates, programs, credit policies, and hours change often and are not guaranteed here, so always confirm the latest terms directly with CommunityWorks before applying. If you represent CommunityWorks, claim this listing to keep its information up to date.

You can reach CommunityWorks at (864) 235-6331 or via their online contact form at communityworkscarolina.org/contact/. Please confirm your preferred contact method and current hours with the lender.

Like most SBA lenders, CommunityWorks can finance a broad range of small businesses — common categories include professional services, healthcare practices, restaurants and franchises, retail, light manufacturing, and commercial real estate. Each bank sets its own industry preferences and may avoid sectors it considers higher risk. Ask CommunityWorks directly which industries it actively lends to before you apply.

SBA Express offers lines of credit and term loans up to $500,000 with a faster turnaround than standard 7(a) loans. Whether CommunityWorks participates in SBA Express depends on its specific SBA lending authority. Contact CommunityWorks and ask if it offers SBA Express and what the current limits and terms look like for your situation.

SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status lets a lender approve loans in-house without sending each one to the SBA first, which usually means faster decisions. Many established banks hold PLP status, but it varies by institution. CommunityWorks can confirm its current PLP standing — ask before you apply if speed matters to you.

The SBA does fund start-ups, but many traditional lenders prefer at least two years of operating history and may ask newer ventures for a larger equity injection or stronger collateral. CommunityWorks's appetite for start-ups is set by its own credit policy. If you are early-stage or pre-revenue, ask CommunityWorks directly whether it considers start-up loans.

For SBA 7(a) and 504 commercial real estate loans, borrowers typically contribute around 10% to 20% as a down payment or equity injection, depending on the property and the deal. Exact requirements vary with your credit, the business, and the lender's policy. Ask CommunityWorks what down payment it expects for your specific commercial real estate purchase.

SBA 7(a) loans with terms under 15 years generally carry no prepayment penalty, while longer real estate loans can have one in the early years. Short-term working capital lines often have no penalty, but terms vary by lender. Review your loan agreement and ask CommunityWorks to spell out any prepayment penalties before you sign.

SBA loans can be used for a partner or owner buyout, including buying out an existing equity partner, when the deal is structured to meet SBA rules — for example, the remaining owner generally must stay actively involved. Approval depends on the specifics, so discuss your buyout plan with CommunityWorks to confirm it qualifies and how to document it.

A past personal bankruptcy does not automatically disqualify you from an SBA loan. Lenders look at how long ago it was discharged, the circumstances, and how your credit has recovered since. CommunityWorks weighs this case by case under its own policy, so be upfront about your history and ask CommunityWorks how it evaluates prior bankruptcies.