News Updates
+ Thank you from Amos at the Office for Globalization
 As we usher in the New Year and reflect on our accomplishments from 2022, I would like to thank all of our partners who continue to promote multiculturalism, inclusion, and justice in Louisville. I hope that we can continue to draw strength from what truly makes our city special – our diversity, compassion, and humanity. Many of us who make the difficult decision or who are forced to leave our homes and come to Louisville have found a truly welcoming and inclusive community. It is an honor for me to continue to work alongside every one of you to make our community even more welcoming.
In 2022, we made great strides towards our welcoming agenda. From developing language access programs to celebrating new citizens at a naturalization ceremony, we built upon existing integration programs which renewed our commitment to growing a global city. Many opportunities lie ahead in 2023. When Congress passed the landmark bipartisan Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act and the White House restarted the Taskforce on New Americans, it showed that this is the right time to build upon our work. Our advocacy, integration, and inclusion efforts are stronger now than ever. I look forward to continued collaboration with our partners to make Louisville more welcoming, global, and inclusive.
Amos Izerimana, MA
Interim Director | Office for Globalization
+ Applications now open for the Global Louisville Leadership Academy 2023 cohort
 The Global Louisville Leadership Academy, formerly known as Louisville Welcome Academy, is a free leadership training program sponsored by the Louisville Metro Government Office for Globalization. The mission is to build the knowledge and networks of foreign-born leaders to increase their capacity and become key stakeholders to empower and assist their communities.
Global Louisville Leadership Academy consists of monthly in-person sessions between February to June 2023. Each session is a full day long, and participants will gain an in-depth understanding of city government services, increase accessibility to existing city and community resources, build leadership capacity, and become part of the larger community network.
The Office for Globalization is now taking applications for the Academy's 2023 cohort. The deadline to apply is January 20, 2023.
+ Black, Latinx business owners graduate from Russell Technology Business Incubator
 By Stephen P. Schmidt – Reporter, Business First/Photo by Miguel Hampton
The latest cohort of the Russell Technology Business Incubator (RTBI) graduated from the program on Jan. 5 at a ceremony held at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in West Louisville, located at 3000 W. Market St.
The event marked the end of a year-long program centered on helping with the growth of Black- and Latinx-owned businesses through mentorships with business coaches who are either founders and/or other key members of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem (more on that below).
Program participants are also able to access several other resources such as a team of financial, legal and marketing professionals to help them accelerate their operations — as well as assessments, referrals and development training.
“You can feel the energy of the entrepreneurship community exploding in Louisville and nationwide,” RTBI program director Brittany Hill-Whitehead said in a release. “We are literally building a legacy conceived from the visions and dreams of today's minority entrepreneurs that will affect generations to come. It’s time to support the Black community in ways that will close the gap that exists between Black-owned businesses and others in this country. ”
Formed in 2021 by the Academy of Music Production, Education and Development (AMPED), the incubator’s main mission is to help create generational wealth in underserved neighborhoods, while narrowing the overall wealth gap. RTBI’s main office space is located at the Village at West Jefferson where AMPED’s office are also housed.
The business coaches for the past graduating class were: Jocari Beattie, founder of JoBe Products; Natalia Bishop founder of Story, Level Up; Kela Ivonye, founder of Protégé; Chris Redd, corporate IT manager at Baptist Health System; Jose Gaztambide, CEO of GoodMaps; Raechele Gray Smalls, manager of entrepreneur selection and growth at Endeavor; Mo Sloan, co-founder and CEO of EZ-Chow; Monica Stewart, director of operations at AMPED and founder of Transitions Caregiver Solutions; Jermaine Watkins, co-founder and CTO of WeatherCheck; and Kwane Watson, founder and CEO of Kare Mobile.
The graduating cohort was composed of the following businesses:
- Chicago Jerk Chicken, founded by Aaron Williams
- Smooth Hair Trends, founded by Amorita Chavous
- Hatchett Enterprise and Consulting, founded by Angela Hatchett
- Leo’s Juice Co., founded by Anjelica Lusco
- Eyes Like Mine, founded by Anthony Williams
- United Scholars Learning Center LLC, founded by Ayisha Hayes Taylor
- Unique Essentials Hair Care, founded by Benea K Durrett
- The Quality Childcare Circle, founded by Brittany Phillips
- Candice Gentry Photography, founded by Candice Gentry
- Poise LLC, Cecoiya Johnson
- Chanel Nicole Co., founded by Chanel N. Wells-Henderson
- The Harmony Home and Busy Bus, founded by Erin Duerson
- 925 Sports Corporation, founded by Frank Johnson
- Legacy Wine & Spirits, founded by Kelvin Young
- Gimme Some Suga Signature Cotton Candy, founded by Kendra and Theron Cunningham
- Kimme Laines Alterations and Fashion Design, founded by Kimberly Foree
- Melanated Healthcare LLC, founded by Lecresha Sewell
- Got Munchies LLC, founded by Lionel Jordan
- Wild Seed, founded by Maya Reynolds Van Irvin
- Mary's Safe Haven, founded by Melissa Wilson
- Kentucky Greens Co., founded by Michael Jackson
- DMCB Productions, founded by Mike Ford
- Chase Ur Dreamz LLC, founded by Nikki Webster
- Complete Mind Body & Soul, founded by Rhonda Johnson
- Faith Works Performing Arts Centers, founded by Rush Trowel
- The Girl Geek LLC, founded by Sharis Lattimore
- Loc N Key, founded by Shavonne Bass
- Apparel For Me, founded by Tiffany Bryson
- Krazy Decor & Designs, founded by Tynesha Bishop-Thomas
- Allii Solutions, founded by VaShaun Mosby
- Kentuckiana Backyard Farms, founded by Von Barnes
- 4Your Kids Entertainment, founded by Walter Murrah
+ Capacity Building Fellowship now accepting applications
 The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods (OSHN) is excited to share the application for their Capacity Building Fellowship. The goal of the fellowship is to build capacity of and support for organizations within the city to facilitate evidence-based, equity-centered violence prevention efforts.
This initiative is an opportunity to invest in and institutionalize violence prevention standards by supporting strategies that are comprehensive, socially-just, and grounded in the public health approach. In doing so, the Capacity Building Fellowship will provide trainings and technical assistance to help grassroot organizations overcome their self-identified barriers and become more successful and sustainable in their efforts. In addition, selected applicants will receive up to a $20,000 grant to support their mission.
The application will be open until January 31 at 11:59 p.m.
LIHEAP and MSD are offering utility bill assistance
 Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services is now accepting appointments for the annual Crisis Component of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program assists income-eligible households in Jefferson County with home heating costs from January 9 through March 31, 2023, or until funds are depleted. For more details, call or go to the website 502-991-8391 or louisvilleky.gov/cascheduler.com.
+ Stop dreaming and start doing, get your GED in 2023
The Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Adult Education Department invites you to contact them if you are interested in completing your high school via GED, want to learn English, or want to prepare for a college education.
To learn more, contact JCPS Adult Education, 502-485-3400, email: jcpsadulteducation@jefferson.kyschools.us or Facebook:JCPS Adult Education
+ One West is looking for chefs
One West is excited to announce the launch and availability of their restaurant space, located at 516 A & B South 18th St.
In October, OneWest revealed the renovated structures located at 516 A & B South 18th St. These spaces will be used as a retail accelerator program for chefs who complete the Chef Space incubator and community chefs hoping to expand their retail operations. This 1670 sq. ft. space will provide chefs their first opportunity to have a retail location.
This retail experience is designed to seat 49 people, includes marketing, business operations, table rotation, human resources, accounting, strategic management, bookkeeping, planning for profit and sustainability. Additionally, this space is providing more food choices for West End residents. Their spaces include the latest industry technology and equipment, such as: Griddle gas countertops, microwave, convection and gas ovens, fryers, proofing cabinets, reach-in refrigerators, …and more. Deadline to apply is February 6.
For more information: https://onewest.org/ or call: 502-907-5147
Events
+ Join QTAAPI for a mixer at Big Bar
 January 19, 7:00 p.m.
Asia Institute - Crane House's QTAAPI (Queer Trans Asian American Pacific Islander) group would like to invite you to join them at Big Bar for some drinks and free banh mi from Paris Banh Mi.
Welcome the new year by meeting other LGBTQ and AAPI folks here in Louisville and learning more about QTAAPI’s future programming! No registration necessary.
Big Bar, 1202 Bardstown Rd.
+ Join District 6 for dinner to celebrate the year of the Rabbit
 January 21, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Join District 6 for a Pre-fixe menu to celebrate Year of the Rabbit. District 6 focuses on both traditional and modern dishes; they combine Vietnamese flavors & techniques with local & market-fresh ingredients. The cocktail menu includes a diverse selection of Vietnamese-inspired and otherwise adventurous concepts with innovative & traditional flavors alike.
District 6, 3930 Shelbyville Rd., 502-873-5561
Reservations required: eatdistrict6@gmail.com
+ Join World Affairs Council Speaker Series: Unrest in Iran, Igniting Prospects for Change
 Thursday, January 26, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
The World Affairs Council will be kicking of their 2023 Spring World in Transition Speaker Series with Goli Ameri, a prominent Iranian-American entrepreneur and former diplomat who has been lending her voice and expertise to bring awareness to the sustained women-led protests in Iran ignited by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022.
Ms. Ameri will share her thoughts and current developments in the Iranian protests - what it means for the country and its people, and what role the U.S. and the international community have to support the people of Iran.
Join World Affairs Council for this timely discussion and help us spread awareness of the critical developments in Iran.
+ Join Tuesday of Resources at La Casita Center
 Second Tuesday of every month in 2023, 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday of Resources at La Casita Center is a community event where families receive necessities like diapers, COVID-19 vaccines, canned goods, toiletries and other resources.
+ Join Crane House for Lunar New Year Dinner and Auction
 February 4, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Join Crane House for their annual Lunar New Dinner and auction. Crane house celebrates the Year of the Rabbit by offering six courses of modern Asian cuisine, silent and live auctions, live entertainment, an open bar and more.
Melwood Arts Center, Van Gogh Room, 1860 Mellwood Ave.
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