Community First Credit Union reports record $69.7M in commercial lending amid regional business expansion (Courtesy of the Jacksonville Business Journal) — Community First Credit Union has found itself the beneficiary of a rising tide amongst First Coast businesses: an increased appetite for growth.
The locally-headquartered financial institution reported a nearly 37% jump in commercial lending during 2025, bringing to $69.7 million in originations — a new record. It’s part of a growing trend CEO Sam Inman sees across the region.
“What we’re seeing locally is a renewed sense of confidence among small business owners, particularly here in Northeast Florida,” he told the Business Journal. “Many businesses spent the last few years focused on stabilization — protecting cash flow, right-sizing operations, and navigating uncertainty. Now, we’re seeing owners shift back into growth mode.”
That growth is showing up in practical ways, he explained: equipment investments, new locations, hiring and modernization.
Small business lending across the region surged ahead of 2026. North Florida’s SBA office shattered a milestone, guaranteeing nearly $1.2 billion in loans — a 21% increase year-over-year — during fiscal year 2025.
Community First’s loan portfolio increased to a historic high of $2.2 billion, a nearly 10% increase from 2024.
Inman contributed it to strong consumer demand, disciplined pricing and a focus across consumer and commercial lending alike. Where the credit union saw momentum on the commercial side, it reported a 45% increase in auto lending.
“By combining consumer and commercial insights, we’re able to identify where financial needs intersect with community growth,” Inman said. “That approach positions us well not just to grow lending, but to grow it in ways that strengthen North Florida’s economic fabric.”
Its assets also saw growth, surpassing $3 billion for the first time, a 10% increase at nearly $289 million, according to the credit union’s annual report.
Altogether, Community First’s substantial growth arrives at a crucial time as the credit union prepares to close its first bank acquisition: FSBH Corp., parent company of Georgia-headquartered First Southern Bank.
Expected to be completed in quarter two or three of this year — once receiving regulatory approvals — the closure will mark its first out-of-state expansion since its founding 90 years ago.
Currently, First Southern has seven branches, four in Southeast Georgia and three in Central Florida. It holds roughly $300.3 million in deposits, according to the latest FDIC data.
The combined entity will hold approximately $3.3 billion in assets, $2.5 billion in loans and $2.9 billion in member shares and deposits across 31 total branches. It will continue to rep the Community First brand.
To Inman, it’s a natural extension of Community First’s market position and financial stability.
“We’re entering new markets with a solid balance sheet, proven lending discipline, and a purpose-driven model that emphasizes relationships over transactions,” he said. “That foundation is critical as we introduce the Community First brand to new members and communities.”