Second Annual First Dollar Program

We are excited to announce our second annual First Dollar Program, which helps support Black and Brown entrepreneurs in the area by providing them with critical “first dollar” grants to help their startups thrive.

“Not all entrepreneurs have equal access to capital to grow their businesses,” said Patrick Henshaw, Managing Director at Render Capital.

We are launching the second year of the First Dollar Program in collaboration with our founding partner, Access Ventures, and will provide $5,000 grants to 20 local businesses at the earliest stage of business development, a total contribution of $100,000 to 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, we have partnered with four local organizations: the Louisville Urban League, Russell: A Place of Promise, GEDDI, and Amplify Louisville.

2021 First Dollar Program Recipients

The 20 entrepreneurs who received funding through the 2021 program were Ausha Hillman (Julee’s Mocha), Bailey Griffin (Bath Wonderland), Ebony Campbell (Nubian Newborns), Elliot Nicols and Nick Raymore (Mink Mutual Broadcasting), Heather Boyd (HB’s Soul Creations), Jaelah Wilson (Pure Intent), Jocelyn Clayborn (Jahja’s Fresh Beverages), Julian Thomas (Black Heart Comic), Keishanna Hughes (The Source 502), Lakisha Morris (DaChe’s Cakes and Treats), Macy Williams (Happy Brown Girl), Mahogany Livers (Mindful Moments), Marquel Lett (Sequel Scents), Nicole Scott (Nicole Scott Inc.), Rheonna Thornton (Lipstick Wars), Sherelle Gore (Gore’s SmokeOut BBQ), Talia Cooksey (Lending Hands Companion & Care), Tracy Tarver (Mother’s Cup), Zakiyya Madden (Posh Beauty Studio), and Latasha Harrison (Ikon Media Group).

Because of the support from the First Dollar Program, many of these businesses have seen an increase in revenue and a profitable year. “Business is doing great. I’ve added two new products and improved my marketing and customer retention. For the next couple of months, I will push to gain more momentum and reach more people,” said Jaelah Wilson, founder of Pure Intent.

“We are so proud to partner again with Render Capital’s First Dollar Program,” said Cherena Fox, GEDDI Program Director. “These grants are crucial to boost early business development and make a significant impact for emerging businesses, as well as the communities they serve.”

“Access Ventures is delighted to continue our funding of the First Dollar Program as part of our larger regional capital initiative that aims to increase access to capital for excluded entrepreneurs locally,” said Bryce Butler, Managing Director of Access Ventures. “This program is a collaborative community effort, and we invite any organization passionate about this work to join us.”