Business Success Stories

RCLF is proud to have helped hundreds of businesses across Mississippi since we started our commercial lending department in 2011. Hear from several of the small businesses we have helped over the years to hear how we can help you create, develop, and expand on your business and accomplish your dreams of becoming a successful business owner.

Everything Kayak- Gulfport, MS

Join us as we hear from Everything Kayak and Bicycles owner, Mike Pornovets on his experience working with our commercial team and getting a commercial loan with Renaissance Community Loan Fund! Everything Kayak and Bicycles has been in business on the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 2018 and continues to be a premiere location for outdoor needs in MS.

The Melt Bistro + Boba- Picayune, MS

Have you ever heard of bubble teas and boba? Learn how a date involving bubble teas sparked the inspiration to open up The Melt – Bistro + Boba in 2020 in the small town of Picayune, MS from business owners, Josh Houeye and Magen Haern!

Murky Waters BBQ- Gulfport, MS

Join us as we hear from Murky Waters co-owner, Brandon Atwell as he speaks about his experience working with RCLF from the beginning of inception in 2012 to now. Murky Waters was started by a group of recent college graduates with a passion for barbecue and a plan to provide the coast with a good BBQ spot. Murky Waters has won multiple awards over the years and the owners now operate four locations throughout the MS coast.

West End Fresh Salads- Tupelo, MS

Bruce Parker has been his own boss since he was selling snacks from his childhood bedroom window. With a passionate entrepreneurial spirit, he used his talent for creating incredible chicken salad and his strong business sense to move from making salads for his catering business to distributing a variety of salads to outside locations as West End Fresh Salads.

McInnis 12 Bone BBQ- Gulfport, MS

When the lunchtime crowd arrives at McInnis 12 Bone BBQ in Gulfport, Mississippi, it’s a social event. Every day familiar faces, including neighbors, city officials, and locals, swing by for the perfect mix of delicious food and delightful atmosphere. Like clockwork, Sonzie McInnis greets customers and calls out orders while her husband, Alton, keeps the food coming. McInnis 12 Bone BBQ is a minority-owned small business that is elevating the community it serves. We are proud to have been a part of their story since the beginning in 2016 and look forward to continuing to grow with them as they flourish.

Betsy Ann Riverboat- Bay St. Louis, MS

Captain Michael White was born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He grew up exploring the Barrier Islands and sailing and fishing in the Mississippi Sound. After retiring from the Navy, he moved back to the MS Gulf Coast to pursue his dream of becoming a boat captain. His love for entertaining and tourism drove him to purchase the Betsy Ann Riverboat.