Our Work
Russell for Russell
Resident Coalition (R4R)
R4R is our path to create RPOP’s first ever Resident Partnership Agreement.
- 15-week virtual engagement
- 26 Russell residents selected to represent neighborhood age, income, gender, and demographics
- Participants meet in a weekly coalition and small group meetings and complete prework and surveys throughout the process
- Stipends and technology provided to participants
- Together, coalition will create a Resident Partnership Agreement - a structure for shared decision-making, co-creation of wealth building strategies, and leadership with residents
- The Agreement will:
- be a living document, reviewed and updated annually with input from Russell Residents
- explain RPOP's values; guide RPOP's work; and establish criteria for applying for grants and investments
- outline how residents may engage with RPOP's wealth building programs
- outline expectations of RPOP staff
- outline accountability measures for RPOP staff, RPOP advisory board, and Russell residents
- provide for transperency in RPOP's activities
Small Business Accelerator
Small Business Accelerator
What
- The RPOP Small Business Accelerator is a 9-session program designed to foster the creation of new, resident-owned businesses AND partner with existing Black-owned businesses and Black entrepreneurs to enhance business strengthening and growth. The Accelerator offers Black business owners in Russell and Louisville’s West End the opportunity to solidify their business operations and increase resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
- The Accelerator is the only program in Louisville focused exclusively on Black business owners and Black entrepreneurs with content provided by a 100% Black faculty.
Why
- Only about 2.9% of Louisville businesses are Black-owned, though Black residents make up over 25% of Louisville’s population
- Small business owners often take on multiple roles to manage and grow their businesses due to real financial and staffing limitations.
- Historically, Black-owned businesses have been excluded from financial and technical assistance opportunities that white businesses have received.
How
- Sessions feature national speakers and local Black business owners and experts who will act as mentors and share their knowledge, experiences, and best practices.
- Sessions cover accounting, business finances, back office strategies, capital strategies, marketing and social media, networking, and legal services.
- Participants complete readings and pre-work and participate in lively discussions, identifying their personalized areas for business growth
Participating Businesses
The Business Accelerator has supported 23 business owners over 2 cohorts.
2022
Ausha Hilliman
Julee's Mocha
Benea Durrett
Unique Essentials (Healthy Hair Care & Salon)
Cara Best
My Dawg Co. (All Natural Dog Treats)
Heather Boyd
HB's Soulfood Creations (Catering & Food Truck)
Jasmine Harris & Missy Wilson
Black Market (Black-owned Grocery Store)
Jordan Hearn
Swim Prettee (Swimwear Boutique)
Marquel Lett
Sequel Scents (Body Scrubs & Butters)
Sherrelle Gore
Gore's Smokeout BBQ (BBQ Food Truck, Vending, and Catering)
Sherrice Bond
Honey by Sherrice (Local Honey Production)
Tidshawnda Spence
Black Tie (Bar Catering Services)
Tiffany Johnson
Kipani's Kloset (Clothing & Accessories)
Zakiyya Madden
Posh Beauty Studio
2021
Antonio Taylor
2021
Cuita Robinson
2021
Delores Butler
2021
Deondra Kimble
2021
Elmore George & Troy Gray
2021
Khris Romaine
2021
Latonia Bland
2021
Pam Haynes
2021
Rodrika Jones
2021
Tumeka & Aaron Barbour
2021
Tyrone Murrell
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