Neighborhood Concepts, Inc. has named John-Michael Marlin as its new loan fund director, a move expected to strengthen access to capital for small businesses and support job growth across the TARCOG region.

The position was created through a $252,180 grant awarded to the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) by the Appalachian Regional Commission as part of its READY Grants to Grow initiative.

The three-year grant funds the creation of new loan fund director and outreach specialist positions aimed at improving delivery of small business loans through Neighborhood Concepts, which administers TARCOG’s Revolving Loan Fund through the North Alabama Revolving Loan Fund, LLC.

“This funding is truly a game changer for our region,” said Mary Ellen Judah, executive director of Neighborhood Concepts. “Adding a dedicated loan fund director allows us to expand services and better support local entrepreneurs.”

Marlin brings more than six years of experience in community and commercial lending to the role.

Most recently, he served as director of lending for the Renaissance Community Loan Fund, Inc., where he oversaw commercial lending operations serving clients in north Mississippi and Alabama. He also previously worked 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.”

In December, the Appalachian Regional Commission awarded more than $12.6 million to 80 projects across 12 Appalachian states. TARCOG was one of five Alabama organizations selected to receive funding, with more than $11.6 million distributed statewide through the READY Grants to Grow program.

Neighborhood Concepts focuses on providing affordable housing and economic opportunity through integrated housing, lending and workforce initiatives. Its loan fund supports small businesses that may not qualify for traditional financing, helping entrepreneurs create jobs and strengthen local communities.

TARCOG, established in 1968, serves more than 713,000 residents across DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison and Marshall counties, working with local, state and federal partners to address shared regional challenges and opportunities in northeast Alabama.