Community Ventures
Community Ventures, founded in 1982 and headquartered in Lexington, KY, offers comprehensive community development services including business resources, housing, and revitalization. The organization has created over 15,200 jobs and supported 8,600 entrepreneurs, and has been named Microlender of the Year by the Kentucky Small Business Administration for 21 consecutive years.
History of Community Ventures
Community Ventures was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Lexington, KY. Over the years, it has expanded its presence with branch locations in Bowling Green, Campbellsville, Louisville, Mayfield, Millersburg, and Owensboro. The organization has consistently been recognized for its contributions, having been named Microlender of the Year by the Kentucky Small Business Administration for 21 consecutive years.
Services Offered by Community Ventures
Community Ventures offers a wide range of services focused on comprehensive, human-centered, community development. This includes business resources, affordable office spaces, inclusive housing, and community revitalization services. The organization provides individualized financial counseling, HUD-certified housing counseling, homeownership support, and homebuyer education. Additionally, it offers small business courses, advising, and technical assistance for companies with microloans.
Community Ventures’ Business Resources
Community Ventures supports entrepreneurial growth through multiple initiatives. It provides SBA microloans ranging from $500 to $50,000 to small businesses in five Northwest Tennessee counties for equipment, business vehicles, supplies, marketing, laptops, or working capital. They also operate Chef Space, a kitchen incubator in Louisville, and Art Inc., an art and community incubator. The organization hosts networking and training events such as Strong Business Strong Coffee and Strong Women Strong Coffee.
Community Ventures’ Housing and Community Projects
Community Ventures is dedicated to neighborhood revitalization and affordable housing. The organization operates Mustard Seed Hill, a restored former military institute in Millersburg, and has completed historic renovations in rural West Virginia town in collaboration with the Appalachian Regional Commission. They provide home designs for residents to choose from and utilize structural insulated panel (SIP) technology for fast-tracking home construction. Additionally, Community Ventures received a $40,000 Water and Environment grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation for the renovation of Millersburg Town Square.
Impact of Community Ventures
Community Ventures has made a significant impact by creating 15,200 jobs, supporting 8,600 entrepreneurs, and educating 1,056,000 home buyers. The organization has closed projects totaling more than $365 million across the region, contributing to the creation of over 14,000 jobs. Approximately 30% of their projects are dedicated to rural areas, showcasing their commitment to comprehensive community development and improving the quality of life for Kentuckians.