Louisville awarded 9 small businesses $145,000 in loans in July

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 1, 2016) — In July the City of Lousiville awarded loans totaling $145,000 to nine small businesses to help them start, improve or expand. Loans were awarded by Louisville Forward Economic Development’s Metropolitan Business Development Corporation (METCO) and the Department of Community Services’ Microbusiness Development loan programs.

• $75,000 façade loan to BLAMS LLC for the property located at 1201 Story Ave. The loan will allow the owner, Andy Blieden, to renovate the façade of the building and help improve accessibility to the property. The renovation will allow for a single tenant to occupy the building and fit well into the commercial corridor. The loan will leverage an additional $561,000 for a total investment of $636,000.

• $15,000 loan to Rivers Educational Center located at 1148 South Sixth St. The loan will allow the owner, Asia Rivers, to purchase equipment for a playschool afterschool program next door to help expand child care services. This project will help sustain 5 employees.
• $15,000 loan to Nanny’s Chow Chow, a food service industry featuring a sweet condiment made from a family recipe. This will allow the owner, Gloria Lloyd, to purchase inventory for production and marketing materials. This is a Kentucky Proud business and the product can be purchased in Kroger stores. This project will help sustain 3 employees.
• $15,000 loan to Custom Web, Inc. located at 3509 S. Hurstbourne Ln. This loan will allow the owner, Allen Cartwright, to assist with his web development solutions business through purchases of updated equipment and marketing materials. This project will help sustain 5 employees.
• $5,000 loan to State of Mind Barbershop to start a full-service barbershop. This loan will allow owners, Don Flippins and Tremayne Washington, to purchase equipment and supplies. This project will create two employees.
• $5,000 loan to The TMI Box, a personal toiletries subscription service. This loan will allow the owner, Brittany Adams, to purchase supplies. This project will create one employee.
• $5,000 loan to HONACARE, LLC, a transportation service for seniors. This loan will help the owner, Martin I. Sunday, cover transportation costs and a vehicle purchase. This project will create one employee.
• $5,000 loan to F3 Chamber Entertainment, a dance studio located at 1003 East Broadway. The loan will allow the owner, Taneka Bryant, to purchase equipment and cover leasing costs. This project will sustain two employees.
• $5,000 loan to DARFUR, LLC, a start-up- trucking business specializing in local freight carrier. The loan will help the owner, Omda lbrahim, with insurance purchase and trailer. This project will create one employee.