Matt Inman

Name: Matt Inman

Location: Helena-West Helena, Arkansas

Goal Areas: Housing, Jobs

A Helena Native, Matt Inman had long been enamored with the city’s historic downtown. That’s why when it came time for him to return home after college, he headed to historic Cherry Street instead of looking for a traditional starter home.

Matt found an older building that had once housed the town’s dentist office, and saw what it could become. Not just a residence for himself on the second floor, but also a storefront below that could help create jobs in the community.

By partnering with Southern Bancorp Community Partners, Matt was able to purchase the building and renovate both floors, taking an eyesore and turning it into both a home and center of commerce.