Microloan Ministry
Microlending in Our
Central Texas Neighborhood
We offer no-interest microloans of up to $1,500 to help individuals grow or stabilize a small business in Travis and surrounding counties — and startups can apply. Face-to-face conversation and a simple application process replace what is required by traditional lenders. Members fluent in different languages are here to guide you. Together, we can grow an economy that says it is right and just that we provide opportunity for everyone.
TO DONATE OR VOLUNTEER - OFFICE@UUMC.ORG
How It Works
Step 1:
Contact these numbers to start the application process:
Janis Monger (English) jmonger05@gmail.com
(512) 296-8043
Elliott McFadden (Spanish)
elliottmcfadden512@gmail.com
(512) 791-9874
Step 2:
In an initial intake phone interview, a church member will ask about your work history, how you intend to use the loan, the amount you need (maximum $1,500), your other sources of funding, and the goals you have for your business. Startups must provide a written business plan.
Step 3:
Step 3: The UUMC microloan team will review that information and decide whether to ask you to fill out a short application and provide more detailed information at a second in-person interview. Things to think about:
What is your customer base?
What competition do you face?
How will you let others know about your business?
Do you have any other outstanding loans?
What other expenses do you have — and when do you expect to earn a profit?
Will an interest-free microloan help you reach your goals — or add to your debt?
Step 4:
If your loan is approved, a contract will be signed by both parties. You will have a specified time period to repay your loan in manageable monthly payments — or 15 months to retire the maximum $1,500 loan. You can opt to begin repayment two months after signing the contract to give you time to put your loan to work to grow your business. There are NO additional interest or fee charges.
Every dollar you repay will be used to make new loans to help more people. We will stay in touch during repayment and beyond to offer encouragement — and find ways to support your growing business!
Business Spotlights
Meet Sharon Harris
“Making purses is my passion. I believe that it is ‘to do ministry’ where I find it, and I can turn a simple accessory into one with a purpose.”
Sharon Harris works full-time as Family Eldercare Service Coordinator for senior residents at Austin’s Housing Authority — but in every spare minute, she is creating beautiful signature purses.
Each and every bag is hand-stitched out of supple leathers, lined in fabric, and may include a zippered pouch. Many of her creations — totes, cross-body purses, small traveller shoulder bags, and pocketbooks — incorporate an embedded natural stone.
A native of Los Angeles, Sharon originally worked as an EMT for the LA Fire Department before transitioning to the mental health field and moving to Texas.
Her business, Sharafina Designs, grew out of her business classes at the Economic Growth Business Incubator. It is a passion and extraordinary talent that Sharon hopes to grow into a full-time career.
Sharon used her UUMC microloan for tools and leather and to outfit a sales space in The Painted Tree Boutiques, 522 Northwest Loop 410, Suite 210, T-12, San Antonio.
Golden Hour
Courtney Terry offers curated vintage clothing and books at GOLDEN HOUR off Lockhart’s central square at 115 W. San Antonio St. She recently retired the laptop she purchased with her UUMC microloan, but her “dream business” is thriving. Her jewelry offerings include designs by friend Emily Spykman, Clementine & Co. (See below.)
Suga’s Cakery
Patricia Bedford used her UUMC microloan to better cool her popular dessert kitchen on wheels, where she turns out award-winning cupcakes, peach cobbler and other treats. Her delicious recipes are inspired by her late Grandmother Suga. Visit SUGA’S CAKERY dessert trailer at 310 E. Pecan in Pflugerville. Catering options online.
T-Loc’s Sonora Hotdogs
Miguel Kaiser and Zulma Nataren host their loyal food fans at T-LOC’S food truck at 5000 Burnet Road and from their spot at the ATX Soccer Stadium’s Northwest Gate #119. Come for the great food and stay for the friendship. Their UUMC microloan funded T-LOC’S eye-catching food bike. Checkout catering options and their extensive Mexican food menu online.
Jeany’s Elixirs
Naijean Bernard, owner of JEANY’S CARIBBEAN ELIXIRS, creates delicious ginger-infused juices made from organic fruits and veggies. A UUMC microloan helped purchase a large capacity blender to keep pace with demand. Jeany’s juices and collard green egg rolls are sold at local farmers markets and at Mañana Cafe in the SoCo Hotel.