Marlin works to expand small business loans across TARCOG
MADISON – Neighborhood Concepts Inc. or NCI has named John-Michael Marlin as its new Loan Fund Director. This announcement will impact small businesses across the region that receives support from TARCOG or Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments.
In one of his first actions, Marlin will work to expand lending for small businesses across the TARCOG region. Officials expect Marlin’s appointment will be a move that can strengthen small-business lending and job growth across TARCOG’s counties.
A grant for $252,180 that the Appalachian Regional Commission or ARC awarded to TARCOG created the position for Loan Fund Director. This grant is associated with ARC’s “READY Grants to Grow” initiative.
In the next three years, officials are using the funding to establish the new positions for Loan Fund Director and Outreach Specialist. These job positions will improve the delivery of small-business loans through NCI, which administers TARCOG’s Revolving Loan Fund with the North Alabama Revolving Loan Fund LLC.
In December 2025, ARC awarded more than $12.6 million to 80 projects across 12 Appalachian states. TARCOG was one of five Alabama organizations selected, with more than $11.6 million distributed with the READY Grants to Grow program.
“This funding is truly a game changer for our region,” Mary Ellen Judah said. She is Executive Director of Neighborhood Concepts Inc. “Adding a dedicated loan fund director allows us to expand services and better support local entrepreneurs.”
Marlin has six-plus years of experience as Director of Lending for the Renaissance Community Loan Fund Inc. He oversaw all commercial lending operations serving clients in North Mississippi and Alabama. Previously, Marlin served as a community outreach coordinator with the organization.
“I’m excited to lead the loan fund and work with TARCOG and its regional partners to expand access to capital and support local entrepreneurs,” Marlin said. “I believe in what’s possible when people have access to both affordable capital and the knowledge to use it well.”
For more information, visit tarcog. us.
