Small Businesses in Our Region Appear to Have Had Greater Access to Traditional Credit Compared to the Nation...but Inequalities among Firms Persist

Nearly 18 months from the outbreak of COVID-19, small employer firms—businesses with fewer than 500 employees—continue to cope with the extra challenges the pandemic brought. How are they weathering the pandemic? Read More  

Small Business Credit Survey 2021 Report on Nonemployer Firms

Among the pandemic’s most impacted firms were the smallest businesses—nonemployer firms—which are businesses with no employees other than the owner(s). This report focuses on the experiences of nonemployer firms in the months leading up to the pandemic and the first six months of the crisis. Read More  

Building Resilient Communities Takes a Network: Group Shares Success Stories, Resources, and Opportunities to Connect

Communities and regional partners in eastern Kentucky are joining forces—sharing resources, solutions, and stories of success—to promote a resilient economy. Read More  

Small Business Credit Survey 2021 Report on Firms Owned by People of Color

Firms owned by people of color reported more significant negative effects on business revenue, employment, and operations than their white counterparts. The pandemic only reinforced already-established disparities between white-owned firms and firms owned by people of color, such as weaker banking relationships, worse outcomes on credit applications, and a greater reliance on personal funds. Read More  

Feedback Appreciated: What Community Members Told Us about Modernizing the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)

Discussions to share info and seek public comment on proposed changes to modernize the CRA revealed two things key for ensuring access to capital for all people and communities. Read More