Media Contact:
Madeline Diane
madeline.diane@cvky.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Old National Bank Foundation Award Supports Local and Regional Food Entrepreneurs in West Louisville
Louisville, KY – July 24, 2025 — Chef Space, the kitchen incubator-initiative of nonprofit Community Ventures located in the Russell neighborhood of West Louisville, is pleased to announce an award from the Old National Bank Foundation, supporting key personnel and underpin Chef Space’s signature Entree-preneurship series.
The Old National Bank Foundation is committed to building thriving communities through strategic philanthropic investments, awarding over $3.68 million in grants to 229 organizations in 2024, supporting initiatives in affordable housing, education, workforce development, and community wellness. Its mission is to enhance quality of life in the communities it serves, particularly for low-income and underrepresented populations.
Since 2015, Chef Space has been a catalyst for economic development and empowerment in one of Louisville’s most historically underserved communities. By providing access to commercial kitchen space, mentorship, and business development resources, Chef Space helps break down barriers for entrepreneurs who may lack access to capital and support.
“At the Old National Bank Foundation, we believe inclusive entrepreneurship is a powerful pathway to thriving communities. Supporting Chef Space means investing in bold local talent, removing barriers to opportunity, and helping build a more equitable economy. Thank you to Community Ventures for accomplishing this one business at a time.” – Joe Kiser, Old National Bank Foundation President
This partnership reflects a shared vision between Chef Space and the Old National Bank Foundation: to create opportunity and foster economic mobility through entrepreneurship.
“We are grateful to Old National Bank’s vote of confidence in the dreams and potential of our community’s food entrepreneurs,” said Tom Murro, President of Chef Space. “With it, we will continue assisting our members in turning their dreams into successful businesses, uplifting our community and contributing to the on-going revitalization of West Louisville.”
For culinary entrepreneurs eager to learn more, visit Chef Space online today!
About Chef Space: Chef Space is a nonprofit kitchen incubator and entrepreneurial training hub in Louisville’s Russell neighborhood. Its mission is to remove barriers to business ownership in the food industry by providing access to licensed kitchens, mentorship, business development, and capital pathways. Learn more at www.chefspace.org.
About Community Ventures: Founded in 1982 as a community-based, non-profit organization, Community Ventures (CV) strengthens communities and improves the overall quality of life for Kentuckians by supporting job creation, small business ownership, and home ownership. For 21 consecutive years, CV has been named Microlender of the Year by the Kentucky Small Business Administration.
About Old National Bank Foundation: The Old National Bank Foundation serves as one of the charitable giving arms of Old National Bank. Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB) is the holding company of Old National Bank. As the fifth largest commercial bank headquartered in the Midwest, Old National proudly serves clients primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. With approximately $70 billion of assets and $37 billion of assets under management (including Bremer Financial Corporation on a pro forma basis as of March 31, 2025), Old National ranks among the top 25 banking companies headquartered in the United States. Tracing our roots to 1834, Old National focuses on building long-term, highly valued partnerships with clients while also strengthening and supporting the communities we serve.