Little Rock, Ark. — Southern Bancorp Community Partners (SBCP), a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and the nonprofit loan fund and financial development organization of Southern Bancorp, Inc., today 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.”
González, who is bilingual in English and Spanish, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, is certified in Mid-South economic development from the Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives, and is on track to receive his entrepreneurship-led economic development certification from the International Economic Development Council in Fall 2026. He is also actively involved in the local community, including serving on the board of Mama’s Unidas, a nonprofit creating higher-education access and preparation for underserved communities in Central Arkansas, and is a past board member for Seis Puentes Hispanic Outreach, a nonprofit bridging access gaps to education and resources for Hispanic families across the state.
In 2024, González was named to Arkansas Business’ annual “20 in Their Twenties” listing for his many contributions and impacts to community and economic development. González was also recognized in Arkansas Money & Politics’ “Top Ten” listing in 2024, underscoring his role in shaping business and community development efforts across the state.
About Southern Bancorp, Inc.
Founded in 1986 by some of the nation’s leading political, business, and philanthropic leaders with an initial investment of $10 million, Southern Bancorp, Inc., along with its development partners – Southern Bancorp Bank, Legacy Bank & Trust, and Southern Bancorp Community Partners – has grown into a $4.7 billion asset organization with 66 locations serving customers throughout the South and Central United States. Southern Bancorp has a unique array of financial products and services designed to help individuals at all stages of life’s financial journey – from teaching kids how to save to helping entrepreneurs and families realize the American Dream. Southern Bancorp is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, certified B-Corp, and proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values.
Learn more about Southern Bancorp at www.banksouthern.com.
Learn more about the Micro Business Empowerment Program at www.mbempowerment.com.
