Appalachian Community Capital

Grist Feature: A new ‘green bank’ could bring solar power and electric buses to Appalachia Thank you to #GristMagazine for covering the launch of the Green Bank for Rural America! In the article, ACC President Donna Gambrell explains how this $500M EPA grant will help bring clean energy solutions like solar power and electric buses to Appalachia. The initiative is set to generate $1.6B in private investments, supporting local economies and sustainable growth. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/e-d3Su9a

On this solemn day, Appalachian Community Capital remembers the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honors the resilience of the communities that came together in the wake of tragedy, 23 years ago. We are reminded of the strength in unity, and remain committed to building a future where all communities, especially those often overlooked, can thrive with dignity and hope.

"As with any business, there are many steps forward and, more often than not, many more steps backward. Developing a strategy and continuously iterating is what it takes to accomplish the goals. This has been the lesson I have learned over the years." - Clint Gwin, President and CEO, Pathway Lending. Clint Gwin, ACC Chair and President of Pathway Lending in Tennessee, iterates that the path to success is often filled with steps forward, but just as many steps backward. This isn’t a sign of failure but a natural part of the process. Each step, whether forward or backward, is a learning experience that shapes our strategy and guides us toward our goals. Persistence and adaptability are key. It's not about avoiding setbacks but about embracing them as opportunities to refine your approach. The true measure of success lies not in how quickly we achieve our goals, but in how we respond to the challenges along the way. #ACC #AppalachianCommunityCapital #PathwayLending #Appalachia

Friday Shout out: Congratulations to ACC member, Pathway Lending on their 25 year anniversary! Here’s to more years of impacting the community 🥂

Our CEO, Lenwood V Long Sr and Board Chair Donna Gambrell, will be speaking at an upcoming half-day conference dedicated to the Green Economy at Knox St. Studios! 🌱 Over the past year, significant funding commitments have been made to fuel the growth of sustainability, clean tech, climate tech, and more efficient work environments. This event is your chance to explore how you can be part of this transformative movement. Join investors, industry leaders, and green industry business owners as they discuss funding opportunities and strategic approaches to thrive in the evolving green economy. Don’t miss out and learn more here > https://lnkd.in/dUG9RKHE

Happy Labor Day! Today we are reminded that every achievement, big or small, is the result of countless hours of hard work and perseverance. It’s a day to appreciate the labor that goes into every profession and to acknowledge the hands that build, create, and sustain our communities. Today, we celebrate the sweat, the effort, and the determination that defines our workforce. To all the workers out there—thank you for your unwavering commitment. Your work is the backbone of our society. #ACC #AppalachianCommunityCapital #Appalachia #LaborDay

ACC Receives Grant from Truist Foundation to Support Diverse Small Businesses in Appalachia.   Appalachian Community Capital is thrilled to have received a $1.3million grant from Truist Foundation and is grateful for the support of its visionary President, Lynette Bell.   While small business owners need access to affordable capital, they also need grants to buy equipment, increase inventory, and hire new or keep existing employees on the payroll. ACC plans to distribute the Truist Foundation grant to its CDFI members to enable them to provide funding and technical assistance to small businesses in their service areas.   ACC will also use the Truist Foundation grant to build upon a data analytics hub project currently underway. The development and expansion of a shared data hub will allow CDFIs to identify, map, and better understand underinvested small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Appalachian region, particularly those small businesses in economically distressed areas. Read the recent announcement here: https://lnkd.in/gxBMib35 #ACC #CDFI #TruistFoundation #Appalachia

#ACCintheNews Opportunity Appalachia, a program led by ACC in collaboration with various partners, supports community real estate projects that drive economic revitalization in underinvested areas. The East Palestine Train Depot project, Ohio has been selected as one of 29 initiatives to receive support, with a $55,000 grant awarded to advance the project. This funding will play a key role in the restoration of the historic train freight depot located at the northwest corner of Taggart and N. Market Streets, helping to fuel the community's economic and cultural revival. Read more about the project here: The Review - https://lnkd.in/ggRQf8WM Village of East Palestine Ohio - https://lnkd.in/gPRzjPDx #ACC #OpportunityAppalachia #Appalachia #EastPalestine #Ohio

I love this work that we do. Some days are even more transformational than others. I had the honor of visiting the Tartt Family Farm in McDowell County, WV over the weekend. The Black Farmers Index hosted a tour to showcase the work of Jason Tartt and other Black farmers. These amazing folks are working hard to address food insecurity and to lead the way in the new economy. But they’re also focused on promoting the richness of the culture, the land, and the people who live in a region that too often gets overlooked. Thank you to all who contributed to this wonderful event! Photo credit: The Black Farmers Index #BlackFarmers #BlackFarmersIndex #Agriculture #WV #Appalachia

This National Black Business Month, ACC proudly highlights the success of Black-owned businesses in Appalachia we've had the privilege to support. These entrepreneurs are driving innovation, creating jobs, and making meaningful contributions to the Appalachian community. One standout is West Marion Inc & Alphonso Hardy Technology Collaborative, supported by ACC through Opportunity Appalachia, a program of ACC and multiple partners, that work with community real estate development projects that support economic restructuring and diversification in underinvested communities. This project is transforming a former pre-integration school into an inclusive community center that will house local non-profits, businesses, a community kitchen, health clinic, and technology center, all serving Marion’s BIPOC community. ACC proudly highlights West Marion Inc & Alphonso Hardy Technology Collaborative for its outstanding contribution during National Black Business Month! #ACC #AppalachianCommunityCapital #CDFI #NationalBlackBusinessMonth #BlackOwnedBusiness