Community First CU

This is a community-focused financial institution offering SBA loan programs, including the 7(a) loan, to support small business growth and development in the Neenah area.

It is recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure dedicated time with a loan officer, but walk-in consultations may be available during business hours.

Community First CU's business lending team provides live personal service Monday–Wednesday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Thursday–Friday 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday 8:00 AM to noon. Confirm current business lending hours and book an appointment at (920) 830-7200.

There are no fees for consulting with the bank; however, loan application and processing fees may apply depending on the specific loan terms.

The bank primarily serves members of the community and local small business owners, but membership and eligibility criteria should be confirmed directly with the institution.

A minimum personal credit score of around 640 is generally preferred, but approval depends on overall financial health and collateral.

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

Community First CU is open on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to noon; verify business lending staff availability during Saturday hours by calling (920) 830-7200.

Community First CU is located in Wisconsin — see the contact card for the full address. Most credit union 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 Community First CU, an SBA-participating credit union. It is maintained by SBA Lenders USA to help borrowers compare lenders — not by Community First CU itself, which runs its own lending under its own ownership. If you work at Community First CU, you can claim this listing from this page to manage it.

The core details for Community First CU — 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 Community First CU before applying. If you represent Community First CU, claim this listing to keep its information up to date.

You can reach Community First CU by phone at (920) 830-7200 or online at communityfirstcu.org — the details are in the contact card on this page. For SBA loans specifically, ask for their business lending or SBA department. Treat this directory page as a starting point and confirm hours and contact details with Community First CU before relying on them.

Based on its approved SBA loans, Community First CU most often finances businesses in manufacturing, general retail, construction & contractors, and restaurants & food service. This reflects Community First CU's real SBA 7(a) and 504 lending history rather than a stated policy — it can still consider other industries and sets its own current preferences, so confirm with Community First CU which sectors it actively lends to before you apply.

Community First CU is an SBA Express Lender and offers SBA Express loans. For current terms, rates, and maximum loan amounts, contact them at (920) 830-7200.

Community First CU holds SBA Preferred Lender status, enabling in-house loan approval without SBA review, typically resulting in faster decisions. Confirm current PLP details at (920) 830-7200.

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. Community First CU's appetite for start-ups is set by its own credit policy. If you are early-stage or pre-revenue, ask Community First CU 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 Community First CU 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 Community First CU 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 Community First CU 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. Community First CU weighs this case by case under its own policy, so be upfront about your history and ask Community First CU how it evaluates prior bankruptcies.