Our Programs
Designed to multiply opportunity, every dollar we invest is matched with private capital, institutional partnerships, and community commitment—creating ripple effects far beyond the original funding.
Our Reach at a Glance
Statewide Reach. Tangible Results.
$
M+
in NMTC allocation and leveraged total project investment
$
M+
in SBA 504 loans and related project financing
+
jobs created or retained
people served on the path to homeownership and housing stability
SBA 504 Lending Program
$164M+
in SBA 504 loan volume
338
loans issued
7,501
jobs created or retained
$400M+
in total project financing leveraged
$245M+
private sector leverage
Notable Projects
Louisville Fiber Supply
For small business dreamer Pati Stone, purveyor of fabric and yarn via Louisville Fiber Supply, the specter of turning 60 was her impetus for action. At the age of 59 while walking with a friend in Vermont, Stone turned to her companion and said “I want my life to be what I want it to be by the time I turn 60.”
Four Pegs
Located at 1053 Goss Ave. in the Germantown neighborhood of Louisville, Williams laughingly describes his eatery as an “upscale local dive bar” that specializes in barbeque, cocktails and craft beer that supports local and regional brewers.
Astral Project
Megan Brooks is in the business of solving retail problems for boutique fitness studios. Brooks, who founded wholesale distributor and retail consulting company Astral along with her husband Brian in 2015, now serves clientele across the U.S. Seated in the office of CEO in stretchy, comfortable athletic wear, Megan glances up and smiles each time one of her employees
New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC)
$235M+
in NMTC allocation
$238M
directly invested
$431M+
in total project costs
2,403
jobs created or retained
Notable Projects
Home of the Innocents Expansion
For decades, Home of the Innocents has provided specialized, round-the-clock care for children with complex medical needs. But as medical advances allowed more children to live longer, a new challenge emerged: What happens when they turn 21? Where will they go? This expansion answers that question.
Berea College Hydroelectric Plant
Berea College—the first integrated, co-educational college in the South—made history by becoming the first institute of higher learning in the U.S. to construct a hydroelectric plant.
The Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Pikeville
In 2011, Community Ventures partnered with four other community development entities to provide $40 million to the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. Located in Eastern Kentucky, the new medical school is part of a strategic plan to upgrade educational services in Central Appalachia.
Mustard Seed Hill
Since 2016, much of the campus has undergone an amazing transformation. With careful attention to historic detail utilizing today’s technology, the Allen House mansion, McIntyre Hall, and gymnasium are bustling once again with school children, community and corporate events, weddings and more.
The MET
The MET is a mixed-use space at the corner of Midland and East Third Streets in Lexington’s East End community. This space is home to several services and retail offerings, as well as residential units.
Housing Affordability
1,200+
new Kentucky homeowners created
37,373
new homeowners received counseling
1,129,381
prospective homebuyers educated nationwide
317
affordable housing units delivered statewide
Notable Programs
Rural Homeownership Program
We simplify home-buying by purchasing, repairing, and selling homes directly, eliminating the need for buyers to secure extra loans for any repairs, if needed. We can even offer down-payment assistance to qualifying buyers.
Artists' Village
Discover the innovative spirit of Lexington at the Artists’ Village, proudly supported by Community Ventures. Established in 2019 by Art Inc., this pioneering residential development is specially designed for artists and creative entrepreneurs.
Fulton Housing Development
The high-quality, affordable, and energy-efficient homes were constructed in a matter of days to create affordable housing options for residents and meet the ongoing housing demand in Fulton County.
Business & Entrepreneurial Support
5,386
Entrepreneurs Served
450+
Businesses Started
$5.4M
Capital Raised
1,200+
Training Attendees Annually
1,896
Jobs Created and Supported
Notable Stories
Emerging Entrepreneur Pitch Competition
First place was awarded to Madison Bates, founder of RAM Devices, a wearable tech company focused on stroke rehabilitation and assessment. Inspired by her PhD research at the University of Kentucky, Madison’s devices are designed to improve patient outcomes and help therapists better track recovery.
Business: Cornett Grocers
When supply chains broke down in 2020, many people panicked. But for one determined woman and her family, the grocery shortages became a turning point. What started as a solution for a community in crisis quickly grew into one of Laurel County’s most inspiring small business success stories.
Women to Watch: Crinda Francke
As President of ExecuTrain, she saw something in the company that others had overlooked: room to grow not just a brand, but the people behind it. She stepped into the role with a clear sense of what could be—and built a mission around professional development that transforms individuals, teams, and entire organizations.
Strong Women Strong Coffee
The event takes place on the 3rd Tuesday of every single month at 9am as a way to empower and uplift women.
Communities of Focus
Lexington
Revitalizing Historic East End
The MET brings together affordable housing, retail opportunity, and community investment in Lexington’s East End. This development model proves what equitable development can achieve when done in collaboration with neighbors, city leaders, and funders.
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Millersburg
Restoring a Historic Town
In Millersburg, we’re proving what whole-town revitalization can look like. From restored homes to historic venues and future housing developments, every project contributes to a living vision of rural rebirth where economic development and heritage preservation go hand in hand.
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Louisville
Supporting Entrepreneurs and Catalytic Investment
Community Ventures supports Louisville through small business lending, catalytic New Markets Tax Credit projects, and Chef Space—Kentucky’s first kitchen incubator. Our work strengthens entrepreneurs and anchors investment where it can create lasting economic momentum.
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Fulton
Workforce Housing at the River’s Edge
Following a major disaster, Community Ventures partnered with local and state leaders to respond to Fulton’s urgent housing needs. Today, new construction and down payment assistance are helping ensure recovery-driven growth creates opportunity for current and future residents.
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Every District. Every County. Every Community.
Community Ventures invests where others don’t. From rural towns to urban centers, our projects span the entire state—supporting families, entrepreneurs, and local economies.
Real Stories. Real Dreams. Real Results.
404 Main St Brought Back to Life
A Small Town’s Big Comeback Story
On a bright and snowy November morning in Millersburg, a crowd gathered inside what will soon be the town’s next restaurant. Through the window behind the speakers, the morning light poured across the street onto 404 Main — a sturdy, timeworn brick building that’s about to get its long-awaited second chance.
Why We Deliver
Four Decades of Impact. One Mission.
Since 1982, Community Ventures has steadily scaled our impact across Kentucky—helping thousands of families and businesses. We proudly tell every Kentuckian: Your Dream. Our Mission.
Add to the Impact
- High-leverage capital structure
- Strong public-private partnerships
- Decades of reliable delivery
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