The Community Foundation of Louisville and Park Community Credit Union Announce Co-Investment Opportunity with AMPED

2026 AMPED Business Accerlerator Cohort

Back Row (left to right): Chanson Calhoun-Bellamy, Young Stars Performance Academy; Briana Kellum-Gosnell, One’s Journey Through Life LLC; Cielo Stein, Cielo Breathwork; James Clay III, The Cleaning Weirdos; Nicole Fletcher-Griggs, Better You Behavioral Health Services; Star Allen, SLA Shuttle Service; and Dantana Smith, Cultivating Perception.

Front Row (left to right): Sakinah Bunch, Cleangoodeats; TaLesha Leachman, Better You Behavioral Health Services; Pamela Estrada, P&S Creations LLC; and Betty Jeune, PhotoJeune Media LLC.

Not pictured: Ashley Russel, Ashley Russel Millinery; Estela Galarza, EMCA Cleaning Services LLC; Jacoby Daugherty; Justin Collins, Just-Influence; Ameshia Ray, Mammamesh Treats & Catering Services; and Jairus Bibb and Demetrius Neal, Talented Minds.

 

The Community Foundation of Louisville and Park Community  Credit Union are pleased to announce a co-investment opportunity supporting participants in the 2026 AMPED Business Accelerator. Through the partnership, Park Community Credit Union will provide below-market-rate lines of credit to eligible businesses, backed by a loan guarantee commitment from the Community Foundation of Louisville through its impact investing program, Invest Louisville.

The guarantee expands access to affordable capital for participating entrepreneurs while reducing potential lending risk for the credit union. The collaboration combines philanthropic capital with community lending, expanding access to affordable financing for emerging small businesses.

The AMPED Business Accelerator is a year-long business development program that provides Black-and Latino-led small businesses with intensive training, business coaching, access to capital, and other integrated support services. This year’s cohort includes 10 businesses representing industries such as digital media, content creation, and consulting; healthcare and social services; arts and entertainment; hospitality; retail and merchandising; food services; wellness consulting; transportation; psychology and behavioral healthcare; and holistic health and wellness.

“Collaborative partnerships like this create meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs while strengthening our local economy,” said Ron Gallo, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Louisville. “We appreciate Park Community Credit Union’s commitment to expanding access to affordable capital and hope this partnership inspires others to explore similar opportunities alongside the Foundation.”

“Access to fair and affordable capital is often the difference between a small business simply surviving and having the opportunity to grow and succeed. Our partnership with Park Community Credit Union gives entrepreneurs in the AMPED Business Accelerator access to lines of credit that can help them invest in their businesses, manage cash flow, and pursue new opportunities. It has been great working with Jana Erny, President & CEO of Park Community Credit Union, and her team to make this partnership possible. Their ongoing commitment has been critical to our ability to support entrepreneurs and demonstrates the powerful impact that is possible when financial institutions and community organizations work together to build stronger, more sustainable businesses,” said Dave Christopher Sr. Founder, CEO & President, AMPED.