First Dollar Program
Providing Early-Stage Capital to Louisville's Black and Brown Entrepreneurs
First things first. It takes money to start a business.
When an individual has an idea for a new business, they turn to their savings, close family, or friends to help turn the idea into reality. But Black American households have a median net worth of just $12,920, less than one-tenth of the median net worth of white American households. Both Black and Brown entrepreneurs are substantially less likely to have the financial capital available in their social networks to fund the creation of new businesses, and the opportunity for wealth creation is stifled as a result.
Our mission is to support Black and Brown entrepreneurs in Louisville, KY to build generational wealth through successful business ownership.
Through the partnership, Render Capital provides critical “first dollar” grants to early-stage entrepreneurs who lack capital access due to historic and systemic inequality. The First Dollar program provides $5,000 grants to businesses at the earliest stage of business development—when capital investment is most critical.
$200,000
In Total Grants
40
Entrepreneurs
5
Community Partners
OUR PARTNERS
Our Partners
Through our partnership with four local, Black-led organizations, Render Capital is able to decentralize funding decisions and empower those who work closely with our target entrepreneurs to facilitate the disbursement of grant funds.
Focused on building economic wealth for the Black community through creative and intentional grant-making.
Focused on generating investments in the people and places that make the Russell neighborhood special.
Dedicated to assisting African Americans and marginalized populations in attaining social and economic equality.
First Dollar is made stronger with collaboration.
This program is made possible today through grant capital from our partners at Access Ventures, but we need your help to ensure the future of the program. Organizations interested in playing a role in growing the First Dollar program are encouraged to contact us.
Grant Recipients

Ausha Hilliman
Julee's Mocha

Elliott Nicols
Mink Mutual Broadcasting

Bailey Griffin
Bath Wonderland

Ebony Campbell
Nubian Newborns

Heather Boyd
HB's Soul Food Creations

Latasha Harrison
Ikon Media Group

Julian Thomas
Vanguard, LLC (Black Heart Comic)

Zakiyya Madden
Posh Beauty Studio

Jocelyn Clayborn
Jahja's Fresh Beverages

Lakisha Morris
DaShe's Cakes and Treats

Keishanna Hughes
The Source 502

Tracy Tarver
Mother's Cup

Nick Raymore
Mink Mutual Broadcasting

Macy Williams
Happy Brown Girl

Talia Cooksey
Lending Hands Companion & Care

Marquel Lett
Sequel Scents

Sherelle Gore
Gore's SmokeOut BBQ, LLC

Jealah Wilson
Pure Intent

Nicole Scott
Nicole Scott, Inc.

Mahogany Livers
Mindful Moments
Dues 24
Vanessa Williams-Harvey
Kentucky Greens Co
Mike Jackson
Brite Trace
Dante Rice
Care 2 You
Destinee Smith
Simply Selois
Selois Shead
TyQea Franchessca
TyQea Butler
The Herbal and Holistic Lifestyle
Preprally
Nicole Patterson
Gifts by Tiphanie
Tiphanie Grant
Love Thy Belly
Fairen Kia
Drick's Treats
Ter-Dricka Fresh
Black Girls Conquer All
Portia Ellis
ALIVE Advocacy
Kayla Wiley
Daring Bliss Collection
Anaiyah Lacy
PLSix Porta Potty Rentals
Porsha Shoulders
Lorna's REALLY Good Lemonade, LLC
Lorna Edwards
Stay Mobile LLC
Ageyi Williams
Queenz With Brands, LLC
Ke'Asia Johnson-Bell
PhotoJeuneic Media, LLC
Betty Meunemartis
Keep Your Books, LLC
Courtney J. Winstead