That's odd because credit unions are non-profit and therefore typically have lower interest rates and fees.  

If it's a larger organization, feel free to inquire about their different staff qualifications.2.

It's a government organization that helps small business owners and has resources for loans.

For businesses, note the owner's address, which usually indicates the state of organization filings.

I had to do community outreach to my neighbors and my local Resident Neighborhood Organizations.

However I am learning that in order for this to be effective you need to come up as one of the first organic websites people see on Google and to get there you will need to buy ads and/or have a really good SEO site. 

Has anyone ever had luck building their own organic list?

Having a network of friends and family in the area is a big draw and having an organic familiarity with the market was a competitive advantage for us compared to other markets.

That's how deposit taking organizations make money, by giving out loans. 

@John WarrenJohn, are the meet-ups you organize still held in person, or are you providing virtual options?