news & stories

Inspiration and Resources for Change Makers

At Access Ventures, we believe our impact will reach only as far as the stories we tell.

We view storytelling as a critical amplifier of our work and the work of our partners, without which we cannot realize our mission.

Explore some of these stories below, and let us know what you think.

  • More Than Profit (MTP) is our podcast to influence more capital for good.

    Listen along

  • Signup for our monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest news.

    Signup today

  • We continually share learnings and best practices that advance our collective mission of human flourishing.

    See how

Investing In A Vibrant Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Investing In A Vibrant Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

When Access Ventures launched Render Capital in February 2020, the goal was to boost the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Louisville region by providing risk-tolerant, early-stage capital through initiatives like the Render Competition, which invests $100,000 into eight companies annually to foster growth and scalability, demonstrating the region's commitment to supporting startups and attracting external investment.

Read More
Our New Render Capital Fund Announces Virtual Pitch Event

Our New Render Capital Fund Announces Virtual Pitch Event

Access Ventures launched Render Capital, a $15 million regional fund to support entrepreneurs in Louisville and Southern Indiana by providing early-stage risk capital, and announced the winners of the 2020 Render Competition, with a virtual pitch event on September 25, where eight startups will each receive $100,000 investments to help them grow and scale in the Greater Louisville region.

Read More
Removing Barriers For Entrepreneurs

Removing Barriers For Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship in America faces a significant challenge due to a lack of access to capital, particularly in mid-American cities, but initiatives like Access Ventures’ Render Capital aim to address this by providing various funding options to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Read More
Food Insecurity During A Pandemic

Food Insecurity During A Pandemic

Many Americans, including over 11 million children, experience food insecurity, with $13 billion in unclaimed food stamp benefits annually, and mRelief helps simplify SNAP applications to ensure eligible families receive necessary assistance, especially during crises like COVID-19.

Read More
Founder Stories: David Taliaferro

Founder Stories: David Taliaferro

David Taliaferro, Co-Founder and CEO of Lenderfit, has focused on overcoming barriers to capital access for small businesses through innovative solutions like the Growth Loan program and the Lenderfit platform, which streamlines the loan process for both lenders and borrowers, while emphasizing the importance of local businesses in fostering community growth and economic development.

Read More
Render Capital: A New $15M Regional Fund

Render Capital: A New $15M Regional Fund

Access Ventures has launched Render Capital, a $15 million fund designed to provide early-stage risk capital to entrepreneurs in Louisville and Southern Indiana, addressing the regional need for startup funding and stimulating economic growth through initiatives like the Render Competition and various financing options for local businesses.

Read More
Access Ventures Announces New Regional Capital Fund

Access Ventures Announces New Regional Capital Fund

Access Ventures is launching Render Capital, a regional fund to provide $2.5 million in early-stage risk capital to support entrepreneurs in Louisville and Southern Indiana, addressing critical gaps in capital access and fostering economic growth, innovation, and inclusion in the region.

Read More
Alternatives to Equity for Entrepreneurs

Alternatives to Equity for Entrepreneurs

During Louisville’s Startup Week, Access Ventures hosted a panel highlighting alternative funding methods like equity crowdfunding, revenue-based financing, and character-based lending, emphasizing the need for creative funding approaches that meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs, as traditional Silicon Valley models do not fit most businesses outside that region.

Read More
The Growth Loan: Where Are They Now?

The Growth Loan: Where Are They Now?

The Growth Loan, launched in 2015 by Access Ventures, provides character-based funding of up to $35,000 to small businesses in Louisville that face barriers in accessing traditional capital, and has supported 31 businesses, catalyzing growth and community impact by offering flexible financial support to local entrepreneurs.

Read More