Render Capital Announces the First Dollar Program

The Render Capital First Dollar Program is a regional strategy that helps support and invest in Black and Brown entrepreneurs in the area, providing them with critical “first dollars” to help their startups thrive.

Often, when an individual has an idea for a new business, they turn to their savings, family, or friends to help turn the idea into reality. However, Black households have a median net worth of just $12,920, less than one-tenth of the median net worth of white American households. Studies show that 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.

The First Dollar Program launched in collaboration with the local entrepreneurial support organization Amplify Louisville, and provides $5,000 grants to 20 local businesses at the earliest stage of business development, a total investment of $100,000 in the local community. Grant recipients are for-profit organizations located in Jefferson County, Kentucky, or Clark and Floyd County, Indiana, who are seeking their first significant capital contribution.

To determine which local startups will be funded, Render Capital partnered with four local, Black-led organizations: the Louisville Urban League, Russell: A Place of Promise, GEDDI, and Change Today, Change Tomorrow. Through this partnership, Render Capital empowers those who work closely with Black and Brown entrepreneurs to facilitate the disbursement of grant funds. As part of the program, the four partnering organizations each fund five startups of their choosing.

“We’re proud to partner with Render Capital for this grant program and look forward to seeing the strong impact this funding will have on Black and Brown entrepreneurs,” said Cynthia Brown, Managing Director of Black Business Initiatives, Louisville Urban League. “Early investment in these entrepreneurs and their businesses will have a lasting impact in the community.”

The First Dollar Program is a collaborative community effort, and various stakeholders are needed to ensure its success.