Southern Bancorp Community Partners names entrepreneurship leader

Southern Bancorp Community Partners (SBCP), the nonprofit loan fund and financial development organization of Southern Bancorp, Inc., announced that Jorge González has joined the institution as an Entrepreneurship Development Officer.

In this role, González will support SBCP’s small business development initiatives and the organization’s broader outreach efforts into underserved communities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jorge to our mission, to which he brings deep professional expertise and a genuine passion for community-centered business development,” said Kenya Gordon, President of Southern Bancorp Community Partners. “His proven track record with small businesses and microenterprises, combined with his ability to build trust across communities, will help us deepen our engagement and increase our impact for entrepreneurs across our footprint.”

González brings extensive experience in business development, inclusive economic growth strategies, and small business coaching to the SBCP mission. He most recently served as Director of Small Business Development at the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, where he led initiatives supporting minority and emerging entrepreneurs and launched programs that supported hundreds of small business owners across the city.

He also brings experience in project management, capacity building, and community outreach through his previous service with AmeriCorps VISTA, a national program dedicated to alleviating poverty.

In his new role with SBCP, González will work directly with entrepreneurs and microbusiness owners to strengthen business capacity, improve financial readiness, and expand their ability to scale operations.

Included in this role is leading the CDFI’s Micro Business Empowerment Program, a no-cost business development initiative designed to equip emerging local business owners with the tools, coaching, and peer support needed to grow and thrive.

The MBEP accepts two cohorts of up to 30 entrepreneurs annually, and its Spring 2026 cohort is currently fielding applications until May 1.

“I am thrilled to join an organization working at the intersection of community, entrepreneurship, and banking to drive meaningful impact,” said González. “Supporting entrepreneurs, especially those who have historically lacked access to capital and technical assistance, is critical to building strong, resilient communities. I look forward to working alongside SBCP’s team and putting our mission to work for the families, small businesses, and communities we serve.”