If you’ve attended one or more meetings in the past year in which there was a conversation about what was needed to help stoke your local startup scene, please take a moment to metaphorically raise your hand. Across the country, economic development groups, entrepreneurs, and community advocates are all trying figure out what makes a…
Read MoreIt is well established that non-profits define partnerships with funders as transactional; but this can’t be in the best interest of the communities being served. What I have found is there is often a stark disconnect between the perceived issues as it relates to “partnership”. Here are example comments I have heard when I ask…
Read MoreIt’s a sunny summer day and the line for the craft ice cream stand you launched the year prior has a line that stretches five booths back. Your full-time day job prevents you from taking on more business, and even if you had the time, your ice cream mixer is not big enough to handle…
Read MoreFifty-seven percent of Americans say that they are unable to cover an unexpected bill of $500. The financial insecurity of the average American has inspired thousands of entrepreneurs to build companies aimed at solving this problem, and our team at Village Capital has reviewed hundreds of them through our annual entrepreneur support programs in fintech (programs in which Access Ventures is a partner).…
Read MoreIf funders were to incentivize cooperation amongst small business support providers, there would be an explosion in economic growth and job creation! Unfortunately, a well-intentioned shift of focus towards sustainability in recent years leaves little room for outcomes based on cooperation versus isolated efforts. This narrow view of sustainability and success actually intensifies the effects…
Read MoreThe Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Zero Barriers movement has focused the conversation around identifying and removing barriers to entrepreneurship. According to the Kauffman Foundation, the overwhelming majority of net new jobs in the U.S. come from new businesses, so if we want to create good jobs for Americans, we need to grow new companies across the country. Yet 78…
Read MoreWhat is the future of microfinance? In the second of a series of videos with Jonny Price, the Senior Director for Kiva US, myself discuss the future trends in American microfinance. Watch below as we pause for a moment to consider needed advancements in microfinance and common themes that will contribute to building a better future.…
Read MoreAt the end of 2014, we launched our Growth Loan to help solve an access to capital issue for growing small businesses that may not meet the traditional requirements of banks. Since then, we’ve approved more than $350,000 in non-collateralized Growth Loans to an array of small business owners throughout the Louisville and Southern Indiana region. All of these…
Read MoreHow might we all help unlock more capital for minority entrepreneurs? An inclusive economy is one that provides equal access to capital for all entrepreneurs, yet we see everyday how access in some ways has grown more exclusive. The playing field is not even when it comes to entrepreneur’s obtaining a loan for a small…
Read MoreIt’s officially been two years since Louisville became a Kiva City. Kiva was relatively unknown locally when the first full-time fellow arrived in Louisville, but community response to the new funding tool was overwhelmingly positive. Louisville is best known for its compassion, but encouragement and selflessness are certainly high on the list as well. Time and time again…
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