Appalachian Community Capital

In October 2023, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC) was awarded a grant from Appalachian Community Capital to further support the SOAR ((Shaping Our Appalachian Region) Small Farm Loan Fund. The focus of the award is to increase emphasis on providing resources to woman-owned and minority-owned farmers through dedicated technical assistance and financing to support their ventures. Positive Attraction Soaps, founded by the mother-daughter duo Vickie & Sarah Crabtree in Beattyville, has utilized the SOAR Farm Loan fund on three occasions. The company is transitioning to an even larger operation and the winter months are when Positive Attraction Soaps stockpiles inventory. They assessed the possible risks to their continued growth and identified oils for their soaps, many of which come from overseas, as the highest risk. Thanks to the Fund, the company has been able to purchase oils and oil blocks, which amounts to 6-9 months' inventory of this crucial ingredient. Learn more about this business and more success stories here: https://lnkd.in/eeeRWCvT #SOARSmallFarmLoan #ACC #KHIC #Kentucky #SmallBusiness #GOAP #WomenOwnedBusiness #AppalachianCommunityCapital

Kudos to ACC member Mountain Association for helping to build resilient communities, and to OFN for recognizing the work being done by this CDFI and others in the region.

“Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” - Brian Solis, Author/Speaker At Appalachian Community Capital (ACC), we believe in the power of collaboration to create lasting impact. Our mission is to support and empower communities across Appalachia through strategic investments and partnerships. By working together, we not only foster a sense of belonging but also drive economic growth and opportunities that truly matter. #CommunityCapital #EconomicEmpowerment #Appalachia #AppalachianCommunityCapital

In October 2023, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC) was awarded a grant from Appalachian Community Capital to further support the SOAR ((Shaping Our Appalachian Region) Small Farm Loan Fund. The focus of the award is to increase emphasis on providing resources to woman-owned and minority-owned farmers through dedicated technical assistance and financing to support their ventures. Garnetta Reid is a cattle farmer in Fleming County whose farm, In March 2017, was hit with a tornado and straight-line winds that damaged the roof and siding on her barn. She was able to get by the past few years but realized that repairing the damage is a necessity. Thanks to the fund, Ms. Reid will finally be able to undertake repairs to her damaged barn. View more success stories here: https://lnkd.in/edCknHZE #SOARSmallFarmLoan #ACC #KHIC #Kentucky #SmallFarms #GOAP #SustainableFarming

In October 2023, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC) was awarded a grant from Appalachian Community Capital to further support the SOAR ((Shaping Our Appalachian Region) Small Farm Loan Fund. The focus of the award is to increase emphasis on providing resources to woman-owned and minority-owned farmers through dedicated technical assistance and financing to support their ventures. In 2016, Amanda Gumbert took over her grandparents' cherished 70-acre farm in Robertson County, a place where she spent her summers helping with cattle and corn. Now, she’s dedicated to honoring their legacy and managing the farm in the style of her grandparents. With a focus on conservation, Amanda is tackling projects like brush management, timber stand improvement, and protecting riparian areas. Thanks to the fund, she’s making the transformation of her farm all possible! View more success stories here: https://lnkd.in/edCknHZE #SOARSmallFarmLoan #ACC #KHIC #Kentucky #SmallFarms #GOAP #SustainableFarming

Happy Independence Day! On this 4th of July, we celebrate the freedom to champion justice and equality, creating a brighter future for everyone. #4thofJuly #IndependenceDay #ACC

In October 2023, Appalachian Community Capital awarded Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation (KHIC) a grant to support the SOAR Small Farm Loan Fund. This significant support underscores ACC’s commitment to empowering businesses owned by women and people of color in the Appalachian region. Thanks to this grant, Kentucky Highlands provided essential financial resources and technical assistance to local agricultural entrepreneurs. The funds enabled Kentucky Highlands to support six women-owned businesses and a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting communities of color. Join us in celebrating this achievement and the positive impact it had on the Appalachian community. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/edCknHZE #SOARSmallFarmLoan #ACC #KHIC #Kentucky #SmallFarms #GOAP #Appalachia #WomenOwnedBusinesses #MinorityOwnedBusinesses

ACC in the News: via Bristol Herald Courier - Opportunity Appalachia Selects 29 High-Impact Projects. Opportunity Appalachia, a program of Appalachian Community Capital, and the state lead for Virginia and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise/Opportunity SWVA, recently announced the selection of 29 projects to participate in its program aimed at increasing job growth, business support, and investment in Central Appalachia. The projects are set to create over 2,700 jobs and attract over $270 million in financing. They target a diverse array of developments in housing, manufacturing, hospitality, and clean energy sectors. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ez5R4dF8

It is with profound sadness that OFN shares the passing of Inez Long, President & CEO of Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF), a former member of OFN’s Board of Directors, and the 2020 recipient of the CDFI industry’s highest individual honor – the Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance. “Inez was not only an industry leader but also a friend and mentor to many within our community, myself included,” said Harold Pettigrew, OFN President & CEO. “Her legacy – fierce advocacy for the CDFI industry, pioneering support for Black and minority-owned business, and commitment to economic empowerment – will continue to inspire us. She will truly be missed.” Inez led BBIF for nearly three decades, creating opportunity for thousands of Black, minority, and underserved small businesses. Her leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on OFN and communities across the country. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. As we mourn the loss of Inez, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.  We invite all OFN members to join us in remembering Inez and reflecting on the remarkable impact she had on our association and the broader industry. 

Dear July, Welcome! We wish you a month full of productiveness and successful outcomes. #ACC #Appalachia #July2024 #HappyNewMonth